Childhood Depression (Alexandria/Pineville, Louisiana)
Unbelievably, about 5% of children suffer from depression, completely overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness and despair. Unfortunately, as the rate of depression rises in these youth, so does the suicide rate. In the USA, suicide in children is the third leading cause of death, with almost 4000 children taking their lives each year. A youth suicide (aged 15-24) occurs every 100 minutes.
Risk Factors for Suicide
- Depression (See Depression Warning Signs)
- Substance Abuse - Alcohol and drugs are sometimes used in attempts to relieve depression, but the added depressant effect of these substances may cause a lack of inhibitions against self-injurious behavior.
- Behavioral Problems - These problems are manifested when the child gets in trouble at school or with the law, fights with parents, and/or exhibits behavior that keeps the world at arm's length.
- Availability of a Gun - Children are much more likely to kill themselves when they have easy access to guns, with 60% of suicide being from use of a gun obtained from their own home.
- Previous Attempts - An attempted suicide in the past increases the risk of another, with a third of victims having made a previous suicide attempt. Suicide attempts should be considered an expression of extreme distress and not just a harmless bid for attention.
- Family History - Mental disorders, substance abuse, or suicide – children who kill themselves have often had a close family member who attempted or committed suicide.
- Stressful Situation or Loss – a loss or certain stressful situations can trigger a suicide attempt in children, even if the event seems minor viewed from an adult's perspective. Children have a sense that their life is a delicate balance, and one failure or disappointment can seem to threaten their entire existence.
- Exposure to Other Children Who Have Committed Suicide – An attempt is often precipitated by another child's suicide.
- Other Factors – Other factors include a family history of depression or substance abuse, a recent traumatic event, a history of physical and/or sexual abuse, poor communication with parents, incarceration, and/or lack of access or an unwillingness to seek mental health treatment.
Dr. Rowden is a Psychiatrist with Hardtner Life Phases/Next Phase at Hardtner Medical Center in Olla, Louisiana. Wellness Center | Women's Health Library | Men's Health Library
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