Depression & Suicide: Pay Attention. Listen. Watch.

Depression

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 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 proven that teachers are better equipped to detect depressive or suicidal behavior in your child. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, communicate with their instructors to get a better scope of the whole picture, and decide if further steps may be necessary.

Learn more about youth depression from NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Health

Suicide

Montana has a one of the highest rates of suicide in the nation.

check The 2013 Youth Behavior Risk Survey found that 7.9% of 10-12 graders had attempted suicide in the past 12 months
check Most youth suicide attempts take place at home in the late afternoon or evening
check Your child’s teacher may be the last adult the student interacts with before a suicide attempt
check For more information, and risk factors, click here.

It is estimated that approximately 5,000 children and youth kill themselves each year, the symptoms were there but were unnoticed.

If your son, daughter or student threatens suicide, LISTEN and TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY!

Learn more about Youth Suicide Prevention

Our parenting resource guide: Definitions of Terms Used | Parenting Resource Guide | Safe & Legal Teenage Parties | Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse | Ages and Stages of Adolescent Drug Use 
Sexual Assault and Bullying | Depression and Suicide | Return to Adolescent Resource Center Parenting Page