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Possible Signs of Depression in Youth
Many of the serious behavioral and
physical problems that our youth experience
can be the result of depression. Often
times youth will not tell an adult that they
are depressed, although they may express
their depression indirectly. If you see one
or more of these surface signs of depression, the
youth should receive a thorough mental health
evaluation:
- Low self-esteem
- Anger management problems
- Alienation or withdrawal from
family, peers, teachers, co-workers
- Running away from home
- School avoidance
- Doing poorly or dropping out of school
- Cruelty to animals
- Gang involvement and violent behavior
- Fire setting
- Legal problems
- Early pregnancy
- Nutritional deficiencies or obesity
- Persistent headaches or stomachaches
- Increased physical health problems
- Becoming a smoker
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Homicide attempts
- Suicide attempts
It is important to understand that the
brain determines one’s mood, thoughts,
actions and judgment. When a medical
illness like depression affects the brain,
the individual’s mood and thoughts will
be affected, and may also negatively affect
their actions and judgement.
Many adults
view youth who are irritable or acting out
as behavior-problem youth, without being
aware that a very treatable underlying
cause such as depression may be affecting
the youth. While youth need to be held
accountable for their actions, it is equally
important that their depression be recognized,
evaluated and treated, if present.
http://www.dhs.state.or.us/publichealth/ipe/depression/signs.cfm".htm
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