Symptoms Of Depression In Adolescents, Depression and suicide among adolescents
Depression and Suicide among Adolescents
I was recently provided a copy of a general *news release* prepared and
distributed by the *National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc.*
(NAFDI), a non-profit organization that provides information on depressive
illnesses. NAFDI has a toll-free telephone information line at
1-800-245-4305.
In the News Release's cover letter, NAFDI wrote:
"Adolescent depression is a family issue. Many parents with young
children will have an older child entering puberty, or they will have
friends with older children, and of course their own children will be
entering adolescence in the not too distant future. Parents should learn
how to protect their children against the number three killer of
adolescents: Suicide.
One of the most tragic situations any parent can face is the suicide, or
attempted suicide, of their child. Suicide is the third leading cause of
death amongst adolescents. Clinical depresion is at the root of most
suicides and suicide attempts. Of course adolescence is a difficult time
for teens and parents, however there is a marked difference between the
normal stresses and strains of adolescence, and clinical depression.
Unfortunately, most parents, teachers and other mentors are unfamiliar
with the signs of clinical depression.
Many of the behaviors that can signal the onset of treatable clinical
depression are mistakenly ascribed to "growing pains" or adjustment
problems. The National Foundation for Depressive Illness (NAFDI) has
initiated an Adolescent Outreach Program to target this disease in
adolescents and young adults. Clinical depression is eminently treatable;
80 percent of sufferers obtain alleviation of symptoms with correct
treatment. Everyone needs to know the signs of clinical depression in
order to help others get the help they need. The checklist below is
useful to see whether the advice of a professional is warranted. Please
remember, only a psychiatrist can accurately diagnose an affective
disorder.
Signs of depression in adolescents
-- Changes for the worse in personal habits - dirty clothes, messy room.
-- Loss of interest in activities that once gave pleasure - music,
sports, friends.
-- Sudden irritability and/or anger for no particular reason.
-- Changes in sleeping patterns - too much or too little.
-- Eating problems - too much or too little.
-- Use of drugs and/or alcohol.
-- Obvious feelings of worthlessness.
-- Problems concentrating.
-- Talk of death or suicide.
If two or more were checked, and if the symptoms have persisted for at
least two weeks, NAFDI urges you to get more information on depressive
illness. Call NAFDI's toll-free info-line, (800) 245-4305, to learn more
about depression and how to send for more extensive information including
a list of doctors and support groups who specialize in treating adolescent
depression. In the event of an emergency please call 911 or one of the
suicide hot-line numbers listed in your local telephone directory.