Depression and Suicide

There are many myths about depression. It's time they were replaced by facts. Myth FACT Depression is always a response to a bad life situation — like divorce, the death of a loved one, or a job loss. Sometimes, depression occurs even when life is going well. Depression can be triggered by things going wrong in your life, but it isn't always. Depression may be associated with a chemical imbalance in your brain. If you can't snap out of your depression, it means you're weak. Depression doesn't mean you have a flawed character or aren't strong enough emotionally. It is actually a medical condition like diabetes or arthritis. If you wait it out, your depression will always go away. If you are suffering from depression, it may not just go away. For some people, depression left untreated can last months or even years. Only suicidal people need antidepressant medicines. Antidepressants are not just for people who think about suicide. Antidepressants may help people who are depressed feel better, even if they do not have thoughts of suicide. Antidepressant medicines are habit-forming, and they change your personality. Antidepressants are not habit-forming. They do not turn you into a different person — they simply make you feel more like yourself again. Not only adults become depressed. Children and teenagers also may have depression, which is a treatable illness. Depression is defined as an illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child or adolescents ability to function. About 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depression at any given point in time. Children under stress, who experience loss, or who have attentional, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Depression also tends to run in families. The behavior of depressed children and teenagers may differ from the behavior of depressed adults. Child and adolescent psychiatrists advise parents to be aware of signs of depression in their youngsters. If one or more of these signs of depression persist, parents should seek help: Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying Hopelessness Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities Persistent boredom; low energy Social isolation, poor communication Low self esteem and guilt Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure Increased irritability, anger, or hostility Difficulty with relationships Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school Poor concentration A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns Talk of or efforts to run away from home Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior The Depressed Child, "Facts for Families," No. 4 (9/98) A child who used to play often with friends may now spend most of the time alone and without interests. Things that were once fun now bring little joy to the depressed child. Children and adolescents who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may talk about suicide. Depressed children and adolescents are at increased risk for committing suicide. Depressed adolescents may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way to feel better. Children and adolescents who cause trouble at home or at school may actually be depressed but not know it. Because the youngster may not always seem sad, parents and teachers may not realize that troublesome behavior is a sign of depression. When asked directly, these children can sometimes state they are unhappy or sad. Early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential for depressed children. This is a real illness that requires professional help. Comprehensive treatment often includes both individual and family therapy. It may also include the use of antidepressant medication. For help, parents should ask their physician to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who can diagnose and treat depression in children and teenagers. Also see the following Facts for Families:#8 Children and Grief, #10 Teen Suicide, #21 Psychiatric Medication for Children, and #38 Manic-Depressive Illness in Teens.

Empfield, Maureen and Bakalar, Nicholas. Understanding Teenage Depression: A Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment and Management. Mondimore, Francis Mark. Adolescent Depression: A Guide for Parents. John Hopkins Press Health Book. Kolebmainen, Janet and Handwerk, Sandra. Teen Suicide. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company, 1986. Kerns, Lawrence. Helping Your Depressed Child. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1993. Kaufman, Dr. Miriam. Overcoming Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents, 2001. Carr, Alan. Depression and Attempted Suicide in Adolescents, 2002.

Depression and Teens

Depression - General Info Suicide - Things Parents Should Know Understanding Teen Suicide Preventing Teen Suicide

Read this page for a list of referrals.

Contact your child's school counselor.
Herrick Middle School	O'Neill Middle School
Julie Quinlan, 8th Grade	Pam Burkle, 8th Grade
Steve Gross, 7th Grade	Barry Kincaid 7th Grade

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