Depression/Self Injury – Recognize the Signs

Depression isn’t just about being very sad; it is an illness that affects nearly every part of life. This is especially true in teens where the illness of clinical depression is often masked by irritability, acting out, drug use, and anger. About one in
twenty teens suffers from depression at any given time. Sometimes depression is an inherited condition. Sometimes it grows out of trauma or other seriously negative events, and often is prompted by a combination of both factors. If left untreated, teen depression may lead to failure at school, running away, addictive difficulties, social/emotional withdrawal, and suicide. It is important for parents to know the signs and symptoms, and take immediate steps to treat the depression.

Depression is a problem many kids face that often disguises itself as normal “mood swings” due to puberty or teenage development. Therefore, it is often ignored until something more serious happens, like a suicide attempt, self-injury, or a serious risk-taking behavior that gets the kid in trouble. If you think your kid is depressed, do not ignore your observations. There are things you can do and steps you can take that will help them overcome depression. If it turns out it was normal behavior, you have shown you cared enough to check it out.

• Depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities or hobbies
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Withdrawal from family and friends

• Suicide:

• Family history of depression or suicide
• Unresolved losses (deaths, moves, job loss, etc.)
• Family conflicts
• Teen pregnancy
• Medical problems (sleeping, eating, pain)
• Academic failure / Learning problems
• Mentioning suicide or a direct warning about suicide
• Plan to commit suicide / past attempts
• Stressful events / community trauma
• Rigid thinking / impulsiveness