|
Depression
Children Suffering
in Silence
Always Consult Your Pediatrician
FirsT
PSPN
One of the most important things we can do to help our children through periods
of depression lies in being able to recognize it's symptoms. If your
child seems troubled,
make the time
to learn as much as you can about adolescent depression, and the warning signs
that professionals have determined may be early indicators of adolescent
depression. Most importantly,
seek medical help. Always remember
that the diagnosis and treatment of depression and other
psychiatric disorders requires trained medical
professionals. The information and links provided on this
page are provided as starting points for research purposes
only. Nothing should be used as a substitute for
seeking professional care for the diagnosis and treatment
of any mental or psychiatric disorders.
Psychology Today:
Teen Depression - Boys
By:
Ellen
McGrath
Summary:
Adolescent males face a unique set of pressures.
(excerpt) They're
young, they're often highly visible -- and they're in deep trouble.
America's adolescent boys may look strong as they swagger down the street,
but in reality they are the population at highest risk today for all kinds
of serious problems.
Rates of anxiety disorders and depression are soaring
among them. For the first time, depression among males is nearly as
prevalent as among females in this group.
Adolescent males find themselves facing a set of unique
pressures. Shifting gender opportunities have left many boys in the dust.
The girls may now be equal players on the soccer team, but the boys no
longer know the rules of play.
(More)
National Mental
Health Association
Children's Mental Health
Children And Depression
Symptoms
of Depression in Children/Adolescents
(excerpt)
Symptoms of child and adolescent depression vary in
severity and duration and may be different from those in adults. Diagnosing
depression in these age groups can be difficult because early symptoms can be
hard to detect or may be attributed to other causes. Child and adolescent
psychiatrists3 advise parents and other
adults in a young person’s life to be aware of signs of depression, such as:
 |
Missed school or poor school performance
|
|
|
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
|
|
|
Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed
|
|
|
Persistent sadness and hopelessness
|
|
|
Problems with authority
|
|
|
Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
|
|
|
Poor self-esteem or guilt
|
|
|
Overreaction to criticism
|
|
|
Frequent physical complaints, such as headaches and
stomachaches |
|
|
Anger and rage |
|
|
Lack of enthusiasm, low energy or motivation
|
|
|
Drug and/or alcohol abuse
|
|
|
Thoughts of death or suicide
|
(More)
Dr. Koop.com
Finding Psychological Help For Your Child:
Experts offer the
warning signs for depression and other common disorders in children.
How
do you know if your child needs outside help? If others --
teachers, coaches, neighbors or family members -- have alerted you to some of
the these symptoms and you have already noticed them, it may be time to act,
he says.
Teen Smoking
Linked to Anxiety, Depression:
Teens who needed
another compelling reason to stop smoking, or to avoid the nasty habit
altogether, got two of them when different teams of researchers reported
links between cigarette use and a couple of mental
illnesses ...
WebMD.com
What Is Depression?
An
overview of the different types of depression
National Association of Child and
Adolescent Psychology:
THE
DEPRESSED CHILD
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
|
More |
.jpeg)
