Given the nature of depression and the teenager's tendency to hide their depression from others, as well as the fact that many teenagers, even when offered help, are reluctant to accept it, what needs to happen is not a change in policy or in the method of reaching out; rather, the norms and standards that surround teenage depression is what needs to change. In other words, no matter how effective a method is in treating depression, if we cannot create an environment in which the teenager is comfortable getting help. Granted, this is something that is easier said than done. But there definitely are some steps that can be taken to ensure that a more understanding society is created. To begin with, I personally believe that the use of depression as a topic of humor is exacerbating by shedding a lighthearted light on its effects This not only encourages the teenagers to believe that their conditions are just mere emotions, and become increasingly hesitant to ask for help. Also, another step that can be taken to ensure a more understanding society is to be more educated about the effects of depression; if people truly understand the devastating effects of depression and what it does to the teenager, it is only an obvious consequence that people will be less inclined to make light of the topic, but be more understanding and welcoming, thus allowing teenagers to more comfortably seek help.

I think this is a great question given how destructive and fragile an infliction depression can be. I say 'fragile' because the slightest infiltration of someone's shield or bubble of depression can lead to a snowball of no turning back...that's why there are often many cases where helping does more harm than good, as the helper either says the wrong words or, by trying to help and not doing much positive good, convinces the depressed individual that their depression is irreversible (which naturally leads to dangerous thoughts of suicide). This is why my personal opinion is that one shouldn't try to be some "hero" as he or she envisions and should instead only help when he or she is certain that another person is depressed and CAN be helped...and the method of helping should definitely be left up to the depressed individual, not the random whims of some "heroic" person.

I will leave with what I've often heard though: a telltale sign of suggestion is a person who is often sad appearing suddenly very elated, happy, and assured, or simply...calm and reassured. This often means that this individual has made a choice to end their lives and are waiting for the end in peace.

I can only speak from personal experience, but I can say with confidence that the reason why I am doing so well right now is because a friend of mine forced me to go to counseling. I was struggling with depression and my friend, although, thousands of miles way, knew how poorly I was feeling. As soon as I opened up to her she "Assessment Teamed" me. I was in so much pain that I could not even fathom reaching out for help by myself. At first I felt betrayed that someone had gone behind my back to report me to the health center. I was so angry, but then as I got better, with the formal diagnosis, the medication, and the counseling, I started to see the world clearly again. My perception widened and I was no longer at the precipice of disaster. My friend's forcible intervention saved my life. While I can't say whether this option would work for someone else, I can say that sometimes biting the bullet and doing something your loved one might resent you for in the present can actually do some good for their future selves.