Anxiety, Depression & Suicide

Anxiety in children & Teens

Anxiety is the mind and body's reaction to stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations. It's the sense of uneasiness, distress, or dread you feel before a significant event, and is a normal part of childhood. Every child goes through phases, which are temporary and usually harmless. But children and adolescence who suffer from an anxiety disorder (affecting about 1 in 4 teens ages 13-18) experience fear, nervousness, and shyness, and they start to avoid places and activities. A certain level of anxiety helps us stay alert and aware, but for those suffering from an anxiety disorder, it feels far from normal - it can be completely debilitating. Read more...

Depression in children & Teens

It is not uncommon for children to be diagnosed with both depression and an anxiety disorder, or depression and general anxiety. About half of people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Depression is not your fault or caused by something you did wrong. Depression can come from a major stressor or series of stressors, environmental factors, and/or your genetic make-up. Depression is treatable!

Depression can manifest differently in children and teens that it may in adults. When symptoms last for a short period of time, it may be a passing case of “the blues.” But if they last for more than two weeks and interfere with regular daily activities and family and school life, your child may have a depressive disorder.

Children and adolescents with depression may display these symptoms:

Depressed or irritable mood
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Change in grades, getting into trouble at school, or refusing to go to school
Change in eating habits
Feeling angry or irritable
Mood swings
Feeling worthless or restless
Frequent sadness or crying
Withdrawing from friends and activities
Loss of energy
Low self-esteem
Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression is treatable! The first step to treating depression is to get a professional diagnosis; most children who are moody, grouchy or feel that they are misunderstood are not depressed and don’t need any drugs. Depression in children shouldn’t be left untreated. Untreated acute depression may get better on its own, but it relapses and the patient is not cured. Real improvement can take six months or more, and may not be complete without treatment. And the earlier the treatment starts, the better the outcome. Don't let depression go untreated! Read more...

Teen Suicide - What you need to know

Teen suicide is preventable! Know the risk factors, the warning signs and the steps you can take to protect your friends and loved ones. We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Call the lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

What are the warning signs that a teen might be suicidal?

Warning signs of teen suicide might include:

Talking or writing about suicide — for example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself," or "I won't be a problem for you much longer"
Withdrawing from social contact
Having mood swings
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
Doing risky or self-destructive things
Giving away belongings when there is no other logical explanation for why this is being done
Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above

What should I do if I suspect someone is suicidal?

If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 911, your local emergency number or a suicide hotline number — such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) in the United States.
If you suspect that someone might be thinking about suicide, talk to him or her immediately. Don't be afraid to use the word "suicide." Talking about suicide will not plant ideas in their head. If you're a minor, you need to share this information with a trusted adult IMMEDIATELY (the person's parent, a teacher, or your school counselor).
Ask him/her to talk about his or her feelings and listen. Do not dismiss his or her problems. Instead, reassure him or her of how much you care. Remind your teen that he or she can work through whatever is going on — and that you're willing to help.
Parents: seek medical help for your teen and ask your teen's doctor to guide you. Teens who are feeling suicidal usually need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist experienced in diagnosing and treating children with mental health problems.
The doctor will want to get an accurate picture of what's going on from a variety of sources, such as the teen, parents or guardians, other people close to the teen, school reports, and previous medical or psychiatric evaluations.

What can I do to prevent teen suicide?

You can take steps to help protect your teen. For example:

Address depression or anxiety. Don't wait for the person to come to you. If someone is sad, anxious or appears to be struggling — ask what's wrong and offer your help.
Pay attention. If someone is thinking about suicide, he or she is likely displaying warning signs. Listen to what your he/she is saying and watch how he or she is acting. Never shrug off threats of suicide as teen melodrama.
Discourage isolation. Encourage him or her to spend time with supportive friends and family.
Encourage a healthy lifestyle. Help your teen eat well, exercise and get regular sleep.
Support the treatment plan. If someone is undergoing treatment for suicidal behavior, remind him or her that it might take time to feel better. Help him or her follow his or her doctor's recommendations. Also, encourage your teen to participate in activities that will help him or her rebuild confidence.
Safely store firearms, alcohol and medications. Access to means can play a role if a teen is already suicidal.

Remember, teen suicide is preventable. If you're worried about your teen, talk to him or her and seek help right away.

Helpful Resources

Anxiety

Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Anxiety Basics & Different Types of Anxiety
- Children can be diagnosed with different kinds of anxiety depending on what they are struggling with. In this guide you'll learn the signs and symptoms of different anxiety disorders, and how they are treated.
Books on Anxiety for Parents

Online Safe Spaces & Support for Teens

Ditch the Label
- - As a leading and global youth organisation, we’re here to help young people overcome the issues that affect and hold them back the most. Our core strands of support include bullying, digital well-being, mental health, relationships and identity.

You Matter
- - You Matter is a safe space for youth to discuss and share stories about mental health and wellness, created and administered by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You Matter blog posts are written by a rotating Blogger Council of individuals between the ages of 13-24 that are passionate about suicide prevention and mental health.
  - You Matter is a movement to spread the word that your problems, your worries, your fears, and above all you—unique and real you—matter. And because just about everyone—at some point—hits the wall, we’re here to help.

Suicidal Youth Support - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- - Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes your struggle can be underestimated because of your age. But we hear you, and help is available.

The Trevor Project
- - Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

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