Teenagers don't trust people. Mostly, they don't trust themselves. We don't trust ourselves. Those of us with extra problems have hard lives. We're bullied, taunted, tricked and betrayed. You call us teachers pets because we make friends with teachers. We do that so that you can't hurt us. So that we'll be believed when we report violence and bullying. So that we'll have friends at all. You hunt down the people who hide to take their medication, taunting them until they don't take it at all. 1 in 5 teenagers struggle with depression. Girls are more affected then boys.

Suicide is a serious topic that is only talked about in whispers. But it's real. It's the second leading cause of death in teenagers and young adults, ages 12-34. But no one seems to notice. The taunts keep coming, friends are pushed away, bullying increases, and what do we do? Ignore it. That's the easy option. The safe option. Until it happens to you. Until your child takes that step. 

When your child starts talking about suicide, it's not just a phase. It's not okay. Your child needs help. They need your support. They need you to make them feel loved, appreciated, and cared for. Many teenagers suffer from depression, which leads to suicidal and self harming thoughts. They feel like they're worthless, hated, and ignored. It's not fine. When your child is less enthusiastic about, well, life, don't treat it like it's nothing. It's not.

I am one of these kids. I suffer from depression. I'm not okay. But my family is trying. They're trying to help me. Your child, and you, are a different person from me, but we all need a little bit of help. Some of us need a lot. 

DEPRESSION isn't a phase. 

Some people who suffer from depression put on smiles to hide what they're feeling. Some dive into reckless behavior. Some bury themselves in school. It may seem like a change for the better, but trust me, it's not. Every emotion is still there, lurking and growing stronger the more people hide them. Avoidance isn't coping. Depression is a lengering thing, like a stain you can't completely wash out. With support from family, friends, clubs, churches, doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists, people can get better. But you can never fully remove depression. 

If you are wondering why I'm writing this, it's because this is a topic people don't talk about a lot. This is a topic people don't realize is a thing.