Suicide and Children: What are the causes?

2008 February 26 by: Scott

Some form of severe depression or clinical depression commonly occurs concurrently with or can be precipitated by injury or other medical illnesses, and worsens the prognosis for these illnesses. Lack of social supports and the absence of avenues for fulfillment also predispose some to depression. Depression is more common in women than in men, though its most dramatic outcome, death by suicide, is more common in men. Suicides seldom occur without warning. If you are aware of common signs and of changes in child behavior, you can recognize and better help a person in crisis.

Depression is an illness often referred to as a disorder. We need to begin to look at depression like we look at any other diseases. This time, however, the disease affects the brain. It also affects the body’s ability to biologically create and balance a normal range of thoughts, emotions, & energy. The risk of suicide is increased by concurrent alcohol and drug abuse, access to lethal means, hopelessness, and reduced by help-seeking behavior, and availability of family and other social supports. Depression is often difficult to diagnose because it can manifest in so many different ways. For example, some depressed individuals seem to withdraw into apathy, while others may become irritable or even agitated. Depression is a pernicious and all encompassing disorder, generally affecting body, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors to varying degrees. Depression can and should be treated when it occurs at the same time as other medical illnesses.

Untreated depression can delay recovery or worsen the outcome of these other illnesses. Depression leads to disharmony at home, difficulties at work and internal distress. If your child is displaying the signs of depression, make an appointment and have your child see a doctor today.

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, SEE YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR NOW OR CALL 911