eGuide Archives: Depression The Child Protection eGuide An electronic publication of Survivors And Victims Empowered Volume 1, Issue 45 December 4, 2008 Tip of the Week: If your suspect your teen is (or even might) be suffering from clinical depression, get help immediately. Begin by contacting your school's guidance department which should be able to assist you in finding a qualified therapist who has successfully worked with children like yours. Psychological visits are often covered by medical insurance. If your child's school cannot make a referral, you may find the type of counselor you are looking for from American Psychological Association psychologist locator or American Association of Christian Counselors search.  Other Resources: psychologytoday.com depression Psychology Today apa.org depression American Psychological Association nimh depression National Institute of Mental Health Depression More than eight percent of U.S. teenagers have said they've suffered from symptoms consistent with a major depressive episode in the past year according to government researchers. From PsychCentral.com New research indicates that about half of people who have a first episode of major depression are likely, upon recovery, to stay wellto stay depression-free. ABC News story here The report published by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suggests that over 2.1 million teens aged 12 to 17 experienced a major depressive episode in the past year. But there were "striking differences" by sex, with 12.7 percent of girls and 4.6 percent of boys affected. See story from samhsa.gov here The full report is available online at samhsa.gov report Depression is the leading cause of suicide, which in turn is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds in the United States. See more about teen suicide at vol1_iss23. For almost half of the teens, depression drastically reduced their abilities to deal with aspects of their daily lives, the report said. Overall, 8.5 percent of adolescents, the equivalent of one in every 12, experienced a major depressive episode. "Fortunately, depression responds very well to early intervention and treatment," said SAMHSA Administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D. "Parents concerned about their child's mental health should seek help with the same urgency as with any other medical condition. Appropriate mental health care can help their child recover and thrive." The report is based on combined data from the 2004 to 2006 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) involving responses from 67,706 people aged 12 to 17 throughout the United States. The survey is based on a scientific random sample of households throughout the United States, and professional field representatives personally visit each household to conduct the survey. The survey uses the same symptom criteria that define a depressive episode by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the official diagnostic manual of mental disorders. However, because the survey was administered by survey-takers, not mental health professionals trained in diagnostics, it is likely an over-representation of the actual number. The government report, Major Depressive Episode among Youths Aged 12 to 17 in the United States of America: 2004-2006, also reveals the often devastating effect these major depressive episodes can have on adolescents. Full story from samhsa.gov here Symptoms of Teen Depression The following are some of the most common symptoms of teenage depression. These symptoms don't directly correspond to symptoms of major depression, but they're similar. A teenager who meets some of the following will often qualify for a diagnosis of major depression. Full story from psychcentral.com Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying: Teens may show their pervasive sadness by wearing black clothes, writing poetry with morbid themes, or having a preoccupation with music that has nihilistic themes. They may cry for no apparent reason. Hopelessness: Teens may feel that life is not worth living or worth the effort to even maintain their appearance or hygiene. They may believe that a negative situation will never change and be pessimistic about their future. Decreased interest in activities: or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities: Teens may become apathetic and drop out of clubs, sports, and other activities they once enjoyed. Not much seems fun anymore to the depressed teen. Persistent boredom; low energy: Lack of motivation and lowered energy level is reflected by missed classes or not going to school. A drop in grade averages can be equated with loss of concentration and slowed thinking. Social isolation, poor communication: There is a lack of connection with friends and family. Teens may avoid family gatherings and events. Teens who used to spend a lot of time with friends may now spend most of their time alone and without interests. Teens may not share their feelings with others, believing that they are alone in the world and no one is listening to them or even cares about them. Low self esteem and guilt: Teens may assume blame for negative events or circumstances. They may feel like a failure and have negative views about their competence and self-worth. They feel as if they are not "good enough." Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure: Believing that they are unworthy, depressed teens become even more depressed with every supposed rejection or perceived lack of success. Increased irritability, anger, or hostility: Depressed teens are often irritable, taking out most of their anger on their family. They may attack others by being critical, sarcastic, or abusive. They may feel they must reject their family before their family rejects them. Difficulty with relationships: Teens may suddenly have no interest in maintaining friendships. They'll stop calling and visiting their friends. Frequent complaints of physical illnesses, such as headaches and stomachaches: Teens may complain about lightheadedness or dizziness, being nauseous, and back pain. Other common complaints include headaches, stomachaches, vomiting, and menstrual problems. Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school: Children and teens who cause trouble at home or at school may actually be depressed but not know it. Because the child may not always seem sad, parents and teachers may not realize that the behavior problem is a sign of depression. Poor concentration: Teens may have trouble concentrating on schoolwork, following a conversation, or even watching television. A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns: Sleep disturbance may show up as all-night television watching, difficulty in getting up for school, or sleeping during the day. Loss of appetite may become anorexia or bulimia. Eating too much may result in weight gain and obesity. Talk of or efforts to run away from home: Running away is usually a cry for help. This may be the first time the parents realize that their child has a problem and needs help. Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior: Teens who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may talk about suicide. Depressed children and teens are at increased risk for committing suicide. If a child or teen says, "I want to kill myself," or "I'm going to commit suicide," always take the statement seriously and seek evaluation from a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health professional. People often feel uncomfortable talking about death. However, asking whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. Rather than "putting thoughts in the child's head," such a question will provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance to talk about problems. Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Depressed teens may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way to feel better. Self-Injury: Teens who have difficulty talking about their feelings may show their emotional tension, physical discomfort, pain and low self-esteem with self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting. An online depression screening quiz is available at: depression quiz by pediatrics.about.com. This is important as a new study reports that a teenager who is sad and maybe even considering suicide may be reluctant to tell a doctor about life-threatening troubles. The same teenager is far more likely to tell a computer a secret that he or she would be hesitant to share with even a close friend, much less a clinician who may be a friend of the family. ABC News.com story here Reminder of the week: Have you talked to your children about depression? Would you know how to talk to your child about depression in their life? See ehow.com's talk to teens depression link Would your teen know how to help a friend who may be suffering from depression? U of Minnesota clues recommends the five CLUES to help a troubled person. C Connect. Make contact. Reach out, talk to them. Notice their pain. L Listen. Take the time and really pay attention. You don't have to have all the answers. Just listen. U Understand. Nod, pay attention, let them know you appreciate what they are going through. E Express Concern. Say that you care, you are worried, and you want to be helpful. S Seek Help. Tell them you want to go with them to talk to a third person, preferably an adult with experience and the ability to help. Don't agree to be secretive. Enlarge the circle of support.

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