Bradley Hospital Parenting Guide:
Depression and Suicide
Signs of Childhood Depression
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If you are concerned or worried that suicide
is a possibility, call a mental health professional for
an assessment. Bradley Hospital is especially well
qualified, with experts in children's mental and
emotional health.
Call anytime
401-432-1000 |
Sometimes the signs of depression are obvious--a child may
talk about his feelings and show his depression overtly. At
other times, the signs are subtle. A child may be very lonely
and sad but may compensate by being especially outgoing or
cooperative with others. Excessive anger and irritability can
also be signs of depression.
Our best advice is to be observant of your children all the
time and to pay special attention to changes that persist or
seem unnatural.
Common signs of depression include:
Behavioral Changes
- Reclusion
- Loss of interest in friends
- Loss of interest in activities the child has enjoyed
- Negative point of view
- Frequent thoughts of death
- Expressions of hopelessness
- Suicidal intentions
- Alcohol or drug use
- Anger or irritability
Physiological Changes
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Serious loss of or increase in appetite
- Constant fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
These can also be symptoms of substance abuse; depression is
often accompanied by alcohol or drug use.
The symptoms can appear gradually or over just a few days.
They can be triggered by an event, such as a break-up with a
boyfriend, the death of a pet or an embarrassing experience at
school.
How parents can help 
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