ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ANY

OF THESE SYMPTOMS?

• Aggression
• Excessive Crying
• Irritability
• Isolative Behavior
• Loss of Interest or Pleasure in previously enjoyed Activities
• Sleep Disturbance (Reduced or Increased sleep)
• Changes in Appetite
• Reduced Energy

Millions of Americans experience these feelings, don't be afraid to seek help! You are not alone.

HAS ANY OF THESE EVENTS

OCCURED IN YOUR LIFE?

• Death
• Divorce
• Breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend
• Moving
• Abuse
• Bullying
• Health Condition
• Hormone Imbalance

*Genetics can also predispose you to depression if it runs in your family*

Suicide Rates of Teens aged 10-14 and aged 15-19 and then all Other Ages.

Chart found at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/forum/shld/55.htm

What can Parents do for their Adolescents?

A common question that is asked is, “What can parents do for their adolescents?” To open the door of communication, make sure teenagers know that feeling moody, lonely and sad are not unusual. Also encourage them to get involved in organizations, spend time with positive people, and avoid sex, drugs and alcohol (self medicating). However, I know of many situations in which teenagers showed none of the typical signs of depression. Unfortunately, suicide is not as black and white as symptoms make it appear.

If a suicidal child or teenager confides in an adult, then you should seek help immediately. There are organizations such as Gryphon Place, Pine Rest and the psychiatric ward of the hospital in which the child could be admitted, evaluated and treated.

What are the Ethnic and Gender Statistics related to Suicide?

Suicide rates vary with gender, age and ethnicity.  Native American males have the highest followed by Black and White males. Gender differences also exist. Females are about four times as likely as males to attempt suicide in adolescents and emerging adults. However, males are more likely to be successful because they use more dramatic means such as guns or hanging themselves, while females use pills or poison. In a study comparing suicide rates among young people in 34 countries, rates were highest in countries where guns were easily accessible (Arnett, 2007).

Is Suicide Common for College Students?

While suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents, it is the second leading cause of death among college students. Nearly 1,100 suicides are projected to occur on college campuses. Many researchers believe it is from the pressure of exams, finances and relationships (United States Naval Academy, 2006). All of these new responsibilities can be extremely overwhelming, especially if the young adults haven’t learned how to cope with stress and anxiety.

What are some Possible Treatments for Depression?

Two common treatments for depression are psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Recent research shows that certain types of short-term psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help relieve depression in children and adolescents. CBT is based on the premise that depressed patients have cognitive distortions in their views of themselves, the world, and the future. CBT, designed to be a time-limited therapy, focuses on changing these distortions. An NIMH-supported study on treating major depression in adolescents, for example, found that CBT resulted in a rate of remission of nearly 65 percent, a higher rate than either supportive therapy or family therapy. CBT also resulted in a more rapid treatment response (National Institute of Mental Health, 2006).

Research clearly demonstrates that antidepressant medications, especially when combined with psychotherapy, can be very effective treatments for depressive disorders in adults. Using medication to treat young people, however, has caused controversy. Many doctors have been understandably reluctant to treat depressed children and adolescents with psychotropic medications because, until fairly recently, little evidence was available about the effects of antidepressants on young people (National Institute of Mental Health, 2006).

Chart found at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/forum/shld/55.htm