Emotional Health

Depression

Depression is more than a sad feeling. It’s a medical illness that causes people to lose interest in the things that they enjoy. Depression affects approximately 2% of children and 4.7% of teenagers in the United States each year. Depression is caused from a number of things. Examples include genetics, suffering from extreme stress, a traumatic loss, or enduring a negative life event such as parental divorce. Major depression can significantly affect the individual, the individual’s family, personal relationships, work and/or school life, sleeping and eating habits and general health. Depression in children and teens can cause interference with regular development like educational attainment and building the needed social skills to succeed. Depression can also be a fatal disease. More than half of all teens who attempt suicide are depressed. Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable disorders. The child or teen needs to have his/her illness recognized and diagnosed with appropriate treatment established.

Children and teens can suffer from depression just like adults can. Although the behavior of depressed children and teens, differ from that behavior of depressed adults.

If you’re concerned that you, your teen or your friend might be suffering from depression, ask yourself whether you notice any of these symptoms:

• seems sad, discouraged, bored or irritable
• has lost interest in favorite activities
• has stopped taking part in after-school sports or hobbies
• is agitated and restless
• feels tired all the time
• has withdrawn from family and friends
• pretends to be sick to stay away from school, sports or play
• seems to cover up sadness with lots of activity or aggression
• argues over everything
• cries easily and often
• has poor self esteem and negative feelings about himself/herself and others
• change in eating and sleeping habits
• has a reduction in grades
• argues with teachers
• cannot get schoolwork done
• refuses to do chores
• expresses feelings of hopelessness
• violent actions, rebellious behavior or running away
• drug and alcohol use
• neglect of appearance
• frequent complaints of physical illness such as headaches and stomachaches

If the answer is “yes” to several of these questions and the symptoms have been present for over two weeks, you, your teen or your friend could be suffering from depression. Seeking professional help may be needed. (Please refer to Find Help)

Here are some tips for recognizing depression and getting help.

1) Notice the signs. Depression has many signs and symptoms. Not everyone has the exact same ones.

2) Acknowledge the signs & symptoms. If you notice that you, your teen or your friend are not enjoying things like you normally would or are feeling sad and blue or even angry often, tell someone. Letting a parent, friend or a trusted adult such as a teacher, counselor or church member know how you are feeling and what is going on with you is not a bad thing. They may have some suggestions to help you and also may offer you the support that you need.

3) Help your teen or friend. Inform your teen or friend about some of the changes that you are seeing and offer them support in a caring, non-confrontive manner. Ask them to share how they are feeling and what may be going on in their life. Listen to what your loved one has to say and then offer some suggestions on ways that you could help him/her seek the help that they need.

4) Seek help. There are several agencies in the area that specialize in helping people who suffer from depression. (Refer to Find Help) These agencies offer counseling and sometimes suggest use of medication to treat the depression properly. The agencies that are out there want to help you or your loved one get through this difficult time in the best way possible.

5) Be Aware. With some severe cases of depression, suicidal thinking can become present. Warning signs to look for include:

• Giving away possessions
• Sudden Cheerfulness
• Sudden efforts to create peace or make amends with others
• Unexpected and dramatic changes in mood or behavior
• Finding Goodbye letters
• Open verbalizations about death such as “I wish I were dead”, “I want to kill myself”, “Life is not worth living”.

 These changes in behavior, mood and statements should always be taken seriously. Make attempts to talk with your teen or friend. If you are a friend, alert your friend’s parents, school counselor or another adult. Acknowledge the changes and verbalizations; encourage your friend or loved one to talk about their suicidal thinking and SEEK HELP. If you suspect that a suicide attempt may occur, do not leave your teen or friend alone and remove all dangerous objects from the home. Call your family physician or go directly to your local hospital and explain the need for immediate evaluation.

6) Be supportive. Feeling depressed and suffering from depression is never an easy thing for the individual who is experiencing it. Let your teen or friend know that you love them, care about them and want to help them. Set aside time everyday to “check in” with them to listen, offer support and guidance. Remind them that they are not alone and many people suffer from depression at least once in their lifetime. Offer to attend counseling sessions with them and ask how you can help them to feel better. Be the best parent and friend that you can be.