In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week, we are sharing this blog post that was originally featured on The Child and Family Institute Notes.
For some young people — one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents to be exact — sad is how they feel all the time. When sadness persists and interferes with a child’s or adolescent’s ability to function, the person is considered depressed. Young people under stress, who experience loss, or who have attention, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for becoming depressed. Once a young person has experienced a major depression, he or she is at risk of becoming depressed again within the next five years.
The behavior of depressed children and teenagers may differ from the behavior of depressed adults. Also, when asked directly, many children will say that they are unhappy and sad, but may not use the word depressed. Here are some other warning signs:
* A kid who used to be outgoing now shows little interest in socializing.
* Things that once brought joy don’t anymore.
* The person talks of suicide.
* The person abuses drugs or alcohol.
* He or she experiences changes in sleeping and eating habits.
Research shows that treatment of major depression is as effective for children and teens as it is for adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Comprehensive treatment often includes individual and family therapy, and in some cases antidepressant medication.
Call 212-523-7990 to register for a free, confidential, depression screening at Roosevelt Hospital on Thursday, October 11, 2012.