She has isolated herself away from her family. She changes her friends and appearance. "Ah, she's just being a teenager."

He begins to give away his trading cards and other items he cares about. He isolates himself from friends and family. "Ah, he's just being a teenager."

Are they just being teenagers or does something seem amiss here? This is not normal teenage behavior.
Teens who give away items they care about, change their appearance or friends, are exhibiting signs that all need and require attention.

Suicide is the third highest cause of death among teenagers. Prevention is the cure. It doesn't come in the form of a drug, but in the form of communication. Live, face-to-face communication.
Teens communicate the most in the form of texts, Facebook, Twitter or the many other forms of technological advancements of this century.

They lack face-to-face communication. It is my belief that this is why so many teenagers go undetected as to their depression or suicidal thoughts.
Keep your teenager active in family. Know the difference in any change and ask questions. Be in their business: After all, children are our business.

Let your teenager know he or she matters and, that no matter what, you will always love them and support them.

****************************

this was an excellent article printed in yesterdays South Bend Tribune

In the long ago "golden" era preceding the electronic age..... back when TV was black and white and there were entertainments of the spoken word on something called the radio.....

Gave things away, isolated, wanted to be NOT. This was not a theme, but a real life manifestation of trouble in my version of life at that age..... gives one pause to wonder how many pre-teens and teens experience a call to AWAY with their life........

Just how many?

Glad for those who, caring, do reach out and do draw the alone into participation and dialogue. This breaks the string of isolation.