Resources about Depression
FACTS:
Recognizing Teenage Depression:
The following symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they last for more than two weeks.
However, for an official diagnosis of depression, a doctor or psychiatrist must be consulted.
Poor performance in school
Withdrawal from friends and activities that they previously enjoyed
Persistent sadness and hopelessness
Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
Anger and rage
Overreaction to criticism and general irritability
Poor self-esteem or guilt
Indecision, poor concentration or forgetfulness
Restlessness and agitation
Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Substance abuse
Problems with authority
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Teenage Suicide:
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents
and teenagers.
About 8 out of every 100,000 teenagers committed suicide in 2000.
For every teen suicide death, experts estimate there are 10 other suicide attempts.
These factors increase the risk that a teenager will attempt suicide:
Depression or feelings of loneliness or helplessness
Alcohol or drug addiction
A family history of abuse, suicide, or violence
Previous suicide attempts; almost half of teens who commit suicide had attempted suicide previously.
A recent loss such as a death, break-up, or parents’ divorce
Stress over school, relationships, performance expectations
Fear of ridicule for getting help for problems
Being bullied or being a bully
Exposure to other teens committing suicide, such as at school or in the media
Access to firearms or other lethal objects
A belief that suicide is noble
Books:
Depressed Child: A Parent's Guide for Rescuing Kids |
by Douglas A. Riley |
| Growing Up Sad: Childhood Depression and Its Treatment | by Leon Cytryn |
| Help Me, I'm Sad: Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Depression | by David G. Fassler and Lynne Dumas |
Helping Your Depressed Teenager: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers |
by Gerald D. Oster |
| The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience | by Martin Seligman |
| Raising Resilient Children | by Robert Brooks |
| Understanding Teenage Depression | by Maureen Empfield |