Summary: Depression, anxiety and even suicide are dangers that can threaten children and teens. Might your child be at risk?As many as one in 13 adolescents experience symptoms of depression at some time; however, these symptoms may be hard for parents to recognize. Teen depression can have many causes, and symptoms of serious depression may include loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or acting out recklessly. Teens are also particularly prone to anxiety, which can be triggered by stress in relationships, peer pressure, or body image. When your child is struggling with depression or anxiety, there are things you can do to help. Specific tactics include encouraging healthy habits, considering the environment to which your child is exposed on a daily basis, educating the family, helping your child develop cognitive, coping and problem solving skills, rehearsing good behavior and social skills, and creating a safety and emergency plan. And, talk to your child about the problems that may be causing his or her anxiety. Suicide is another dangerous threat to teens. In fact, suicide is one of the three leading causes of death for 13- to 19-year-olds in the United States. Suicide attempts are often triggered by some small, everyday event, such as receiving a bad grade or getting in an argument. No child is immune to a risk of suicide, but statistics tell us that some adolescents are more vulnerable than others and may require closer parental attention. Special guest, Dr. Linda Reid-Chassiakos, MD, discusses ways you can help children and teens overcome their depression, reduce their anxiety and possibly prevent a horrific suicide.
