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Signs and symptoms of youth depression
(usually seen every day for at least 2 weeks)
- Sadness (with or without crying)
- Anxiety
- Lack of energy and/or motivation
- Temper outbursts and/or violent episodes
- Easily irritated
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Little or no appetite, or eating too often
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities usually enjoyed (including school activities)
- Feelings of fear (even if there is no conscious reason)
- Feelings of extreme guilt or shame
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor memory
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Worsening grades
- Skipping school or classes
- Self-critical remarks
- Feelings of helplessness to change a situation*
- Feelings that things will never get better*
- Comment(s) about death or dying*
- Writing, drawing, or listening to music about hopelessness, guns, or death*
- Threatening suicide (even in a joking manner)*
When 4 or more of the above are observed or suspected for more than 2 weeks, an assessment by a mental health professional is necessary.
*Any time one or more of the last 5 signs or symptoms are seen or suspected, immediate attention is necessary!
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Dying to be Free: A Healing Guide for Families After a Suicide
"This book is a masterpiece for the survivors of suicide and those who care about them." --David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., 16th U.S. Surgeon General and Interim President of Morehouse School of Medicine
When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens
"A remarkable and much needed resource for young people with depression...Bev Cobain understands." -- Peter S. Jensen, M.D., Associate Director for Child & Adolescent Research, National Institute of Mental Health
"When Nothing Matters Anymore talks directly to teens in a sympathetic voice, without condescension. It tells them they don't have to feel bad because of their brain chemistry; that there is hope for change and chance for happiness."--Doug Esser, The Associated Press
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