Note to Readers: Please be advised that this post discusses sensitive and potentially graphic topics. Reader discretion is strongly advised.This article is for awareness and education only. It is not a diagnosis or replacement for professional medical advice. If you or your teen are struggling with depression, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider. You are not alone, and support is available.
Written by Sylvia Poonen
Life and Transformation Coach
Approximate Reading Time: 10 minutes – Could save a life
TransformationWithin Coaching (Real People, Real Problems, Real Solutions backed up by science)
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Did You Know?
Clinical studies confirm that children as young as three years old can meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.
When An Adolescent’s Despair Becomes Tragedy
The birth of a child is one of the happiest days in a parent’s life. The loss of that same child becomes one of the most soul-crushing, devastating tragedies a parent will ever endure.
It doesn’t matter what ripped that precious life away — no words can console a grieving parent. No measure of time fills that void. Days, weeks, months, even years pass, but the pain, the empty space, and the haunting memories remain.
Call local services immediately if you feel overwhelmed while reading this article
South Africa: SADAG Suicide Helpline 24/7 — 0800 567 567
LifeLine SA: 0861 322 322
For parents who lose a child to suicide, the pain can be unbearable — an agony that feels endless. Some parents are fortunate enough to find their child in the nick of time, an empty pill bottle nearby. But not all stories end with rescue.
A young girl was bullied relentlessly for her appearance. Constantly called ugly, until she could no longer bear the torment. One day, after returning from school, she tragically ended her life.
And then there are those who leave no farewell note, no explanation, no chance for goodbye. Closure becomes impossible. I know of parents out there who have lost more than one teenage child to suicide. I cannot begin to fathom the pain they must have endured. A family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or suicide significantly raises risk (NIMH, 2023).
Call local services immediately if you feel overwhelmed while reading this article
South Africa: SADAG Suicide Helpline 24/7 — 0800 567 567
LifeLine SA: 0861 322 322
What Is Adolescent Depression?
Adolescent depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, irritability, or loss of interest and pleasure in most activities, lasting for at least two weeks, and accompanied by changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt. To be diagnosed, symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or family functioning.
It is not moodiness. It is not “just being a teenager.” It is a serious, crippling condition that steals joy, warps self-image, sabotages relationships, and dims the ability to imagine a future (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
It whispers cruel lies:
“You don’t matter.”
“No one would care if you disappeared.”
“You’re a failure.”
The Science Behind Adolescent Depression
- Depression doesn’t happen because a teen is “weak” or “dramatic.” It is a complex condition shaped by biology, environment, and thought patterns:
- Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters disrupt how the brain communicates, leading to sadness, hopelessness, or numbness (Harvard Medical School, 2022).
- Hormones: Puberty-related hormonal surges can influence mood and emotional stability.
- Genetics: A family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or suicide significantly raises risk (NIMH, 2023).
- Early Childhood Trauma: Abuse, neglect, or loss of a parent can rewire the developing brain, increasing vulnerability later in life (WHO, 2023).
- Cognitive Patterns: Some teens develop “learned helplessness” — believing they are powerless, which locks them in despair (Seligman, 2011).
The Hidden Signs We Miss!
Teen depression doesn’t always wear a sad face. It may show up as:
- Falling grades, poor attendance
- Fatigue, headaches, unexplained pain
- Withdrawal, isolation in their room
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Oversleeping or insomnia
- Anger, irritability, mood swings
- Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, or social life
- Neglecting hygiene or appearance
- Self-harm (cuts, burns, scratches)
- “Jokes” about worthlessness or death
- Reckless behavior, substance use
- Brain fog, forgetfulness, poor focus
- A mask of humor, sarcasm, or bravado.
Call local services immediately if you feel overwhelmed while reading this article
South Africa: SADAG Suicide Helpline 24/7 — 0800 567 567
LifeLine SA: 0861 322 322
Why Teens Attempt Suicide: Research-Based Reasons.
Depression in teens is often fueled by layers of pressure, pain, and misunderstanding. For some, these factors quietly build over time. For others, a single traumatic event tips them into crisis. Research shows the following are the strongest reasons why adolescents attempt suicide:
- Untreated Mental Disorders – Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder
- Bullying & Victimization – Face-to-face and online
- Family Conflict & Abuse – Violence, neglect, rejection
- Identity Stigma – Race, sexuality, gender, weight
- Academic Pressure – Fear of failure, disappointment
- Trauma & Loss – Death, breakup, violence
- Substance Use & Impulsivity – Drugs, alcohol, lowered inhibitions
- Loneliness & Isolation – Feeling unseen, unheard
- Chronic Illness or Pain – Physical suffering fuels hopelessness
- Prior Suicide Attempts – The strongest predictor of future risk (WHO, 2023)
The Numbers That Break Hearts
- 1 in 7 adolescents (10–19) live with a mental disorder (WHO, 2023).
- 3.4% of teens aged 15–19 are affected by depression worldwide.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
- These are not statistics. Each number is a son, a daughter, a future cut short.
Call local services immediately if you feel overwhelmed while reading this article
South Africa: SADAG Suicide Helpline 24/7 — 0800 567 567
LifeLine SA: 0861 322 322
Complications of Untreated Depression
When ignored, depression can spiral into:
- Alcohol and drug misuse
- Eating disorders
- Academic decline and dropping out
- Family conflict and broken trust
- Risky behaviors and legal trouble
- Suicide attempts or death (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
After a Suicide Attempt: Compassion Heals
Not only in my role as a Life Coach, but also as a qualified Counsellor, I have often heard survivors confess that the real pain began after the hospital. Instead of love, they were met with anger and disappointment:
“How could you put us through this?”
“You’re ungrateful.”
“Your life is easy.”
“You’re selfish.”
These words deepen shame, pushing teens further into despair. Research proves that compassionate, non-judgmental support is one of the strongest protectors against future attempts (SAMHSA, 2022).
Prevention: Protecting Teens Before Crisis Hits
We cannot shield our teens from every storm, but we can strengthen their sails by:
- Teaching stress management and resilience
- Encouraging healthy self-esteem and positive self-talk
- Promoting self-care habits: sleep hygiene, balanced use of electronics, and physical activity
- Supporting friendship and belonging
- Seeking help at the earliest signs of depression
- Continuing treatment even when symptoms improve to prevent relapse (Mayo Clinic, 2024)
You Are Not Alone
If what you’ve just read weighs heavily on your heart, take comfort in this truth: you are never alone in this fight.
If your child feels distant, silent, or trapped inside their own mind, reach out now — don’t wait.
Get Help Now (Especially for Adolescents)
Call local services immediately
South Africa: SADAG Suicide Helpline 24/7 — 0800 567 567
LifeLine SA: 0861 322 322
A child’s life is worth every effort. Speak. Listen. Notice. Act. Because silence is never the answer.
Disclaimer
This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, treatment, or substitute for professional medical advice. It is created purely for educational purposes to raise awareness about the seriousness of depression and to share science-backed strategies that may support individuals after a diagnosis has been made by a qualified medical professional.
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate help from a licensed healthcare provider, counselor, or emergency services.
Neither the writer, Sylvia Poonen, nor TransformationWithin Coaching shall be held liable or responsible for any harm, loss, or adverse outcome resulting from the use or misuse of the information presented in this article.
By reading this article, you acknowledge and agree that the responsibility for your health decisions rests solely with you and your healthcare providers.