A Resource Guide For Parents & Families

On this Page: Depression | Suicide Other Resource Pages

Depression

Pay Attention. Listen. Watch.

The first step toward shifting out of depression is to define it. But people who are
depressed often have a hard time thinking clearly or recognizing their own symptoms.
They may need your help.

Check the following boxes if you notice any of the following symptoms persisting longer than two weeks.

□ Sadness or “emptiness” 
□ Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up 
□ Hopelessness, pessimism, or guilt 
□ Appetite problems, losing or gaining weight 
□ Helplessness or worthlessness 
□ Headaches, stomachaches, or backaches 
□ Unable to make decisions 
□ Chronic aches and pains in joints and muscles 
□ Unable to concentrate and remember 
□ Restless or more irritable than usual 
□ Lost interest or pleasure in ordinary activities 
□ Wanting to be alone most of the time 
□ Loss of energy and drive - so they seem “slowed down” 
□ Increasing problems with school and family 
□ Drinking heavily or taking drugs 
□ They’ve started cutting classes or dropped 
□ Talking about or preoccupation with death or suicide

  It has been estimated that three to six million children suffer from depression –
much of it unrecognized and untreated.

In 2006, 42% of Montana youth grades 10-12 reported having depressive
symptoms.  Depressive symptoms were significantly higher in youth using alcohol
and other drugs.  For instance,  of those who reported using alcohol, 51.8 %
reported feeling depressed vs. 30.7% who did not use. (PNA data)

Unfortunately, it often takes a child’s suicidal attempt for the problem to surface.

Teachers often prove better able to detect depression in adolescents than do their
parents. Let them know if they notice your son or daughter is depressed or seems
to be contemplating suicide, that you want them to ACT, not wait to see if your
child feels better the next day. 

Download the depression check list as a PDF for easier printing
Learn more about how to help teenagers with stress | Read more on teen depression

Suicide

The 2007 Youth Risk Survey found that 7.9% of 10-12 graders had attempted
suicide in the past 12 months.

Most youth suicide attempts take place at home in the late afternoon or evening.
Your child’s teacher may be the last adult the student interacts with before a suicide attempt.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youths aged 15 to 24. 
  
• Many accidents, including single-car crashes, may be unreported suicides.
  
• The only age group in the United States with a constantly rising mortality
  rate is 15 to 20 year olds.
  
• Forty percent of teenagers who attempt suicide are drug/alcohol abusers.
  
• Two-thirds of suicidal youths report poor relationships with their parents.
  
• Ninety percent say their parent’s don’t understand them.
  

Again, teachers often prove better able to detect depression in adolescents than
do their parents. Let them know if they notice your son or daughter is depressed
or seems to be contemplating suicide, that you want them to ACT, not wait to see
if your child feels better the next day.

For families and communities of the 5,000 to 10,000 children who kill themselves each year, the problem surfaces too late. If your son, daughter or student threatens suicide, Take it Seriously!

Read Binge Drinking a Predictor of Teen Suicide
 

- Other Parenting Resource Pages -

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Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse | Parenting Tools 
Sexual Assault Bullying  | Definitions of Terms Used
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