It is important not to overreact to isolated incidents. Young people will have
problems and will learn, at their own rate, to struggle and deal with them. But
it is critical for parents and helping adults to be aware of the factors that
put a youth at particular risk, especially when stressful events begin to
accumulate for these vulnerable individuals. A good starting point for
identifying and intervening with highly troubled and depressed young people is
the careful study of suicidal adolescents. Family history and biology can create
a predisposition for dealing poorly with stress. These factors make a person
susceptible to depression and self-destructive behavior.  History of
depression and/or suicide in the family  Alcoholism or drug use in the
family  Sexual or physical abuse patterns in the family  Chronic
illness in oneself or family  Family or individual history of
psychiatric disorders such as eating disorders, schizophrenia, manic-depressive
disorder, conduct disorders, delinquency  Death or serious loss in the
family  Learning disabilities or mental/physical disabilities 
Absent or divorced parents; inadequate bonding in adoptive families 
Family conflict; poor parent/child relationships Personality traits, especially
when they change dramatically, can signal serious trouble. These traits include:
 Impulsive behaviors, obsessions and unreal fears  Aggressive
and antisocial behavior  Withdrawal and isolation; detachment 
Poor social skills resulting in feelings of humiliation, poor self-worth, blame
and feeling ugly  Over-achieving and extreme pressure to perform
 Problems with sleeping and/or eating Psychological and social events
contribute to the accumulation of problems and stressors.  Loss
experience such as a death or suicide of a friend or family member; broken
romance, loss of a close friendship or a family move  Unmet personal or
parental expectation such as failure to achieve a goal, poor grades, social
rejection  Unresolved conflict with family members, peers, teachers,
coaches that results in anger, frustration, rejection  Humiliating
experience resulting in loss of self-esteem or rejection  Unexpected
events such as pregnancy or financial problems Predispositions, stressors and
behaviors weave together to form a composite picture of a youth at high risk for
depression and self-destructive behavior. Symptoms such as personal drug and
alcohol use, running away from home, prolonged sadness and crying, unusual
impulsivity or recklessness or dramatic changes in personal habits are
intertwined with the family and personal history, the individual personality and
the emotional/social events taking place in a person's life. It is not always
easy for one person to see the "whole picture." That's why it is
essential that people who have "hunches" that something is wrong take
the lead to gather perspectives from other friends, family members and
professionals who know the young person. It is all too often true that the
survivors of an adolescent suicide only "put the pieces together"
after the fact, when they sit together and try to figure out what happened. How
fortunate a troubled young person is to have a caring adult take the initiative
to look more closely before something serious happens! The University of
Minnesota Extension Service has two additional publications that can be helpful:
 Supporting Distressed Young People (FS-2786), by Ron Pitzer 
Helping Friends in Trouble (FS-2787), by Joyce Walker Several common themes run
through these two. First, young people must learn and practice coping skills to
get them through an immediate conflict or problem. Coping strategies must
emphasize self-responsibility to find positive, non-destructive ways to find
relief. Second, communication skills are important. This involves being able to
talk and selecting a good listener. It is important to express feelings, vent
emotions, and talk about the problems and issues. Peers are good sympathizers,
but it often takes an adult perspective to begin to plan how to make changes for
the better. Third, young people need help to learn problem-solving skills.
Sorting out the issues, setting goals and making plans to move forward are
skills that can be taught and practiced. Ultimately, most young people will
develop and assume the responsibility for their own protection and peace of
mind. But during the years of learning and practice, parents, teachers and
helping adults need to be aware of the signs and patterns that signal danger.
Awareness of adolescent stress and depression opens the door for adults to begin
constructive interventions and stimulate emotional development.