Mental Health Issues of Depression and Anxiety :::

IDENTIFYING TEENS WHO MAY BE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION AND / OR OTHER MENTL HEALTH ISSUES
  
Staff at LTHS encourage any family with concerns about possible depression or other mental health issues with teens to contact the high school Student Services Division at 708-579-6510 for referrals to mental health professionals and assistance at school. Parents should seek immediate emergency medical assistance if their son or daughter is expressing thoughts of hurting themselves or others. 
 
This information below is taken from: a NASP article: Times of Tragedy: Preventing Suicide in Troubled Children and Youth, 2001 and Principal Leadership Magazine, Vol. 4, Number 2, October 2003 . Copyright 2003 National Association of Secondary School Principals. Produced in cooperation with NASP, www.nasponline.org .
When It Hurts to Be a Teenager
By Ralph E. Cash, NCSP, National Association of School Psychologists                      
 
Facts About Depression
Depression in students is more than mere teenage angst and requires more than patience and understanding to cure. Depressive disorders can include other mood disorders and professional evaluation is needed to identify an effective treatment plan.
  • Depression in teens differs from depression in young children or adults. Teens are more affected by their social environment, more irritable than sad, and more chronically depressed.
  • Depression affects 8-10% of adolescents and is the most common cause of disability in the United States.
  • Talking to friends or family is an important source of support but on its own is not enough to treat depression.
  • Students who are depressed may not ask for help because they believe no one cares or that nothing can be done.
  • Students may not want to be labeled as having a problem, particularly if they already believe they are to blame for being unpopular, unworthy, or a failure.
  • Depression in teens differs from depression in young children or adults. Teens are more affected by their social environment, more irritable than sad, and more chronically depressed
Identifying Depression
Distinguishing depression from adolescents' normal mood swings can be difficult. School staff members and parents should contact a mental health professional if a student exhibits symptoms that:
  • Are new or changed in intensity, frequency, or manifestation
  • Continue for a two or more weeks
  • Interfere with the student's social and academic function
  • Cause disruptive or uncontrolled behavior and / or
  • Reflect thoughts of hurting oneself or others
Warning Signs of Depression in Adolescents
Risk Factors for Depression
  • Sadness, depressed mood, or irritability
  • Agitation, defiance, or sullenness
  • Lack of pleasure in daily activities
  • Withdrawal or crying
  • Unexplained physical complaints
  • Lethargy or chronic boredom
  • Poor concentration or inability to make decisions
  • Poor academic performance
  • Negative thoughts about self, the world, and the future
  • Self-blame, guilt, and failure to recognize one's success
  • Change in appetite or weight gain or loss
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Increased-risk behaviors (e.g., sexual risk-taking or abuse of drugs and alcohol)
  • Suicide ideation or attempts
 
  • Existing or history of mental health problems
  • Poor academic functioning
  • Poor physical health
  • Poor coping skills or social skills
  • Low self-esteem
  • Behavior problems
  • Problems with friends or family
  • Poor school and family connectedness
  • Major life stressors
  • Substance abuse
  • Family history of depression or suicide
 
 
TIPS FOR PARENTS
  • Do not be afraid to talk with your child about concerns
  • Monitor sudden changes in behavior, giving away prized possessions such as journals, jewelry, clothing, pictures, music
  • Review the warning signs of depression
  • Utilize school and community resources
  • Take immediate action if your child expresses thoughts of hurting himself/herself
  • Listen to your child’s friends