Teen Depression and Suicide
Depression
One in five children have a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder. And up to one in 10 may suffer from a serious emotional disturbance. Seventy percent of children, however, do not receive mental health services (SGRMH, 1999). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in children, affecting 3 to 5 percent of school-age children (NIMH, 1999). As many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents may have depression (CMHS, 1998). Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds and the sixth leading cause of death for 5- to 14-year-olds. The number of attempted suicides is even higher (AACAP, 1997). Studies have confirmed the short-term efficacy and safety of treatments for depression in youth (NIMH, 2000).

(Source, National Mental Health Association, http://www.nmha.org)
Suicide
Typical Signs Of Depression:

1.Adolescent feels "low" most of the time
2.Adolescent is irritable, especially when pressed to be more active
3.Weight loss or weight gain (more than 10% of normal weight)
4.Insomnia or sleeplessness, or the opposite, excessive need for sleep
5.Low energy, seemingly the teen has no "get up and go"
6.Child says things that indicate low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness
7.Suicidal thoughts, ideation, or threats (with or without a plan)
8.Drop in grades
9.Drop in social activities, interactions with peers, or sudden change in friends
10.Teenager cannot seem to make a decision
11.Low frustration level
12.Frequent bouts of crying, often "for no reason"
13.Lack of interest in their usual activities (social, family, academic, extracurricular)
14.If your child says certain tell-tale things that indicate depression, and stays in this "state of mind" for more than six months, it is time to seek outside therapy or other interventions. Typical statements repeated are:
15.I don't know why I bother, what's the point of anything
16.I wish I were dead
17.I can't do anything right. I'm worthless. (Or variations on this theme)
18.If your teenager seems stuck in a pattern that includes some of these behaviors, it is time to seek therapy and make sure your child is properly treated should he or she be suffering from depression.

(Source)

NEXT PAGE 1
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws