Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

Tag Archives: teenage depression

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION IN YOUNG PEOPLE

February 7th, 2014

Childhood depression is a great health challenge for our country.  Depressed children and teenagers often appear as if their personalities have changed.  Sadness is normal, but depression is more painful and deeper.   The symptoms of depression in a youngster may vary from child to child somewhat, but overall they are fairly easy to recognize if you know what to look for.

A depressed child is often sad, angry, irritable, cranky, whiny, and prone to rage at times, even violence.  Sleep and appetite patterns change, weight is lost, menstruation and normal bowel function are affected, personal appearance deteriorates, and serious fatigue could ensue as well.  Self-esteem is lowered and often the youngster feels like she is bad, a loser, worthless, unlikable and inferior.  Depressed young people often feel sick and have a host of pains – headaches, muscle stiffness, and stomach aches.  School functioning will decrease as concentration, attention and attendance drop off.  These kids will usually isolate from friends and family.  Communication is lessened and often irritation in short spurts is all that a parent sees.  Formerly fun activities give little pleasure and are sometimes replaced by risky pursuits and behavior.  Energy is low, and fatigue is high.  These depressed youngsters often look like they move in slow motion, heads down, slumped shoulders, with a sad and pained expression.  They appear to be apathetic.  Sometimes a depressed child will talk of running away or becomes angry at authority.

Suicide is a major concern with depression as the teen years approach.  Depressed young people often feel hopeless, a particularly worrisome sign that is associated with suicide.  Suicidal thoughts and even, tragically, successful attempts are not uncommon in teens.  There are warning sides to watch for with suicide.  I will address those in my next blog.

Fortunately, depression is a treatable condition if properly diagnosed.  If you suspect depression with your child you must act immediately.  Contact your pediatrician, the school counselor, your religious counselor, the local mental health association, or ask a friend who has been through this for a referral to a mental health professional. If you have further questions about the signs of depression, please email me.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN AND TEENS

January 16th, 2014

Like adults, children and teenagers have a wide variety of feelings.  In fact, young people often seem to have more frequent changes of mood than adults, varying from day-to-day, hour-to-hour, even minute-to-minute.  Sadness, joy, excitement, frustration, irritations, exuberance, sulkiness, anger, and the like are all normal and add to the colorful picture that defines us as people, but when a child or teenager becomes depressed it’s a time for parents to be concerned.

Six percent of young people are depressed at any one time and depression is a high risk marker for suicide, especially in teenagers.  Thus, childhood and teenage depression is a great health challenge for our country.  Depressed children and teenagers often appear as if their personalities have changed.  While sadness is normal, it is experienced as more superficial than the more painful and deeper feelings of despair and hopelessness of depression.  While a sad child might experience a bit of frustration and disappointment, a depressed one is often angry, irritable, cranky, whiny, and prone to rage at times, even violence.  Sleep and appetite patterns change, weight is lost, menstruation and normal bowel function are affected, personal appearance deteriorates, and serious fatigue could ensue, as well.

If you suspect your child is suffering from depression, it is important to take action.  Speak with your child’s doctor and then seek out a professional to help.  (See my earlier blog on how to choose a professional).   Treatment options for depression vary, and often will include treating with medication.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.