Depression Symptoms continued:
The above are symptoms for all age groups. Children may react differently in one major area. While many are exhausted and low on energy, many react in opposite ways. Teenagers for example, may have too much restless energy and channel this excess in destructive ways. They may act out the depression by being rebellious at home or at school. They may turn to drugs and/or alcohol or even promiscuity as the depression continues.
Children who are under a great deal of stress, experiencing loss through death or divorce, and those who have learning disabilities are at higher risk for developing depression. According to Dr. Spence (1992) there are also other emotional causes.
Emotional Causes:
Depression is an illness that can be treated. Only a few clinically depressed people actually seek help. Treatment may include therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. If you think that you or your child has become clinically depressed you need to get help immediately. A physician or mental health specialist should be consulted. Unfortunately, some severely depressed people do commit suicide. If your child begins to talk about killing himself, please take it seriously. The following sectiom gives some warning signs that should be looked for. Please read them.
For information concerning suicide click here.