KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Depression is a disorder that affects millions around the world and doesn't discriminate.
Unfortunately, recent statistics show that it's only getting worse.
Melissa Perry, lead therapist at the Research Psychiatric Center Adolescent Unit, told KMBZ that depression is leading to self harm.
"What we're seeing is about 18 percent overall of adolescents will self injure per year," Perry said. "It's more often females, but it can he as high as 83 percent for those that are experiencing some type of mental illness."
Perry said it is very common in teenagers that are experiencing a feeling of disconnection. She said to watch for extreme highs and lows in their emotions as well as showing no emotion at all. She advised parents to talk to their teens about their issues.
"I think that it's important that the parent remain very calm," Perry said. "Although they may not feel calm on the inside, they're probably very anxious and upset, they need to be very nonjudgmental."
Perry added that if parents react negatively, it could only worsen the depression symptoms, making the issue worse. She advised parents to not be afraid to reach out for help.
