Recognising causes, symptoms of depression

The National Health Watch

Depression and suicide
AN increase in suicides among young adolescents makes it vital for parents to recognise the causes and symptoms.
Many factors can contribute to serious depression that can lead to suicide.
If a parent suffers from extreme depression, a child is more likely to experience it, too.
But situations such as broken or unhappy families, the loss of parent through divorce or death, sexual abuse or drug or alcohol abuse may also contribute to depression.
Other stressful situations may also play a role: for example, losing a relative, being ignored by friends or serious concerns about sexuality.
Some warning signs of depression and possible suicidal tendencies include:

  • CHANGE in sleeping patterns (either sleeping too much or too little);
  •  CHANGE in behaviour (can’t concentrate on school, work or routine tasks, slipping grades);
  • CHANGE in personality (seems sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic);
  •  CHANGE in eating habits (loss of appetite and weight or overeating);
  • PHYSICAL changes, (including a lack of energy, sudden weight gain or loss, lack of interest in appearance);
  •  A MAJOR loss or life change (through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship);
  •  DECREASED interest in friends, school or activities;
  •  LOW self-esteem (feeling worthless, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred);
  •  NO hope for the future (believes things will never get better, that nothing will ever change);
  •  PREOCCUPATION with music, art and personal writing about death;
  •  GIVING away prized possessions and otherwise “getting affairs in order;” and
  •  DIRECT suicide threats or comments such as, “I wish I was dead.” “My family would be better off without me.” or “I don’t have anything to live for.”

These threats should always be taken seriously.

  • Next week’s edition – IX- Learning Disabilities