Depression and Suicide
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 10 - 24 years. Research shows that more than 90 percent of people who kill themselves have depression or another diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder, often in combination with other mental disorders.
It's important to treat depression early so the child does not experience a mental health crisis. If a child has symptoms of depression, lasting almost every day for 2 weeks or more, he or she needs to be evaluated.
Signs of Depression in Children and Teens
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 children.
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 or 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 or 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 harm behavior
- Anxiety
- Giving away or selling valuable or cherished possessions
What can parents or caregivers do?
If parents or another adult in a young person's life suspect a problem with depression, they should:
- See a mental health professional or the child's doctor for evaluation and diagnosis
- Be aware of the behaviors that concern them and note how long the behaviors have been going on, how often they occur and how severe they seem
- Get accurate information from libraries, help lines and other sources
- Ask questions about treatments and services
- Find a family support group
Where to Go for Help with Depression
A visit to a family physician or pediatrician may be the first step. Parents should bring their child to the Emergency Department if they believe the child's safety is at risk or the child is saying he/she wants to die. Parents may also call the Psychiatric Intake Response Center (513-636-4124) for referrals.
It's important for parents to keep the home safe from potentially dangerous items, such as guns, pills and poisons. In addition, it is important that there is a supportive and responsible person at home with the child. The Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is involved in suicide prevention efforts and offers a Suicide Prevention Program to area high schools.
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Written 7/03; Rev. 6/05, 8/07
