Suicide & Depression in Children

Children are faced with an overwhelming amount of change. Stress can result from new schools, making new friends, experiencing loss (death, divorce, moving), entering puberty and finding one's sexual identity. Depression and suicide rates are at an alarming level with our children. According to concernedcounseling.com, about 22% of children with depression will attempt suicide, and about 3% to 4% of adolescents have thought about suicide in the last two weeks.

Risk Factors

• Certain risk factors can forewarn when depression or suicide will be a problem for your child. Children with a past mental health diagnosis, previous psychiatric hospitalization and family members who attempt suicide are at a higher risk. Children who are isolated, exposed to violence and who have handguns in the home are also at risk for depression and suicide.

Identification of Depression

• Depression presents differently according to the child's age. Younger children will fake illness, attempt to miss school, become more dependent upon their parents, cling more to their parents and worry an excessive amount about the death of a parent. Children entering puberty appear sad and irritable. Often times they will feel misunderstood and display a negative attitude. Teenagers will get into trouble at school and sulk frequently.

Suicide Warning Signs

• Children who are suicidal will have an obsessive preoccupation with death or dying. Symptoms of depression are often a precursor for suicide. Children who give away their possessions or begin to plan for a future absence are considering suicide. A clear indication of suicidal intentions is when a child talks about his or her own death or suicide. Never mistake this for attention-seeking behavior. Children with increased drug use and sleep difficulties are also at risk for suicidal behavior. Observe your child's artwork, doodles and writing for any symbols of death or suicide. Be proactive and identify a root for any drastic behavioral changes in your child.

Treatment

• Create a supportive environment and eliminate negative stigma associated with mental health issues. Talk with your child about depression, suicide and trusting his or her parents.
  Take all depression and suicide concerns seriously. Seek immediate help for any depression symptoms and threats of suicide.
  Take your child to the emergency room or call 911 if he or she is expressing suicidal thoughts. Restrict access to any dangerous items in the home. Remove firearms, knives and other lethal objects the child can use for self-harm.
  Seek professional help. Child psychologists and psychiatrists can develop a treatment plan. Behavioral counseling coupled with medication will improve the child's mood and overall quality of life. Look for local support groups for your child to attend. Children tend to trust their peers much more than adults and parents, so a support group will provide a great outlet.

Statistics

• Prepubescent boys and girls have an equal chance of developing depression. After age 15, girls are twice as likely to develop depression, according to The National Institute of Mental Health.
  From concernedcounseling.com, suicide has become the fourth leading cause of death in children ages 10 to 14 and the third leading cause of death for children ages 15 to 19. One in every 300 suicide attempts in children results in death. During any given year, about 2% to 6% of children will attempt suicide. In a classroom with about 30 children attending, at least one child will attempt suicide.