A good health for most of us confines to have a sound body that's free of any physical ailment. But bodily health will never be complete unless you have an equally stable mind. 

Depression is a low mood that usually involves anger, sadness and hopelessness. It is observed very commonly among teens. Various factors are responsible for this mental state and sometimes if not treated in time, can lead to suicide. Several suicidal cases are reported each year of teenagers sufferring from an underlying state of depression.

Click here to know some effective parenting tips for teenagers.

Following are some symptoms that can be seen as a sign of underlying depression in your teens.

• Drug  abuse
  Drugs are usually seen as substances that make someone forget something a bad experience in life and give the assumption of giving temporary pain relief. Substance abuse among teenagers is seen very often. During this age they are highly impressionable and tend to follow their peers. Any setbacks in life can trigger them to resort to drugs, alcohol, bhang, tobacco and cigarettes as a means for relief. These bad habits only worsen the situation. It might lead them to ghet involved in fights and thefts.
   
• Withdrawal
  A teenager who is experiencing depression usually tends to keep to him or herself. They do not involve themselves in social activities. Some kids are introvert by nature, but would still have a set of close friends that they would hang out with. However, if they are not open about their feelings even with their close ones, he or she might be depressed. 
   
• Hopelessness
  Teenagers undergoing depression tend to find that they are not worth being in existence. Their self-worth is extremely negligent. They have a very low self esteem and no amount of praise will lift their spirits up. Such a teenager will have make no future goals. A sense of rejection from the society will dawn in. Negative self talk in such teenagers increases and is it is very important to stop this behaviour at this stage. 
   
• Extreme anger
  A teen experiencing depression can also be high tempered. Any negative remark on him or her gets would trigger an angry outburst. Violent behaviour will inturn lead to more fights among teens and aggravate the state of depression.
   
• Violence
  This is usually as a result of anger and drug abuse by a teen experiencing depression. Sometimes, your teens violent behaviour may not be loud enough to be heard. Scheming and planning sinister acts is also a violent behaviour. You will find such a teenager being involved in reckless activities such as damaging property, emotional torture, unsafe sex with multiple partners, etc. There are chances he or she might be hurting themselves by making multiple cuts and burns on the skin.
   
• Poor eating and sleeping habits
  Depression often leads to low interest in personal care and hygine. If the mental state is not fit, physical state will also be affected. Such teenagers will change their eating behaviour and also alter sleep patterns. Late nights and a messy schedule might also be one of the symptoms.
   
• Running away
  There have been many cases of teenagers running away from home or school. Some return, while others don't. News about kids running away are rampant these days. Sometimes extreme depression might lead to drastic steps. 
   
• Reduced participation in activities
  Such a teen will always miss out in activities such as sports and going out. This is a major symptom of depression among teens.
   
• Poor school performance
  Depression among teens makes them loose concentration in class due to lots of thinking, hopelessness, drug abuse and lack of paying attention on homework. The teen may also miss to attend some lessons or drop out of school completely.
   
• Suicide
  This is usually the most devastating effect of depression among teens since life is lost. Such a teen will talk of being unworthy. All hope in life is lost and his sense of being is completely misdirected. This can be an impulsive decision or the last resort for a kid suffering from depression. Either way, its a sad loss of life. 
   

• Talking calmly to your depressed teen is a good and an effective way. Let him feel free to tell you whatever he needs.
• Provide a happy environment to your teen, both at home and school. 
• Give them their needed space. It is a confusing age for them too.
• Make sure your kid isnt bullied. Bullying often leads to depression.
• It is ok to look for professional guidance when things seem out of control. Just because it is a taboo in India, do not overlook this. It is your child's life at stake, always remember this.
• Encourage yoga and meditation as a family ritual in your house. This will give a sense of belonging and meditation will work its wonders anyways. 

If the guardian or a parent of a teen who is undergoing depression takes the necessary steps and is more observant of his behavior at home and school then cases of young lives being lost will reduce gravely.

"It is your DECISIONS and not your CONDITIONS that determine your DESTINY."