James Donaldson on Mental Health - What Are the Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers?

Signs your child might be more than moody

Writer: Ron J. Steingard, MD

Clinical Expert: Ron J. Steingard, MD

What You'll Learn

- What are the symptoms of depression in teens?
- Why is it important to catch depression early?
- What is the treatment for depression in teens?
- Quick Read
- Full Article
- Why early intervention is critical
- Depression plus anxiety
- Treatments for depression

Teens are often moody. That’s why it’s easy to miss signs that they’re actually depressed and need help. Symptoms of depression in teens include things like avoiding hanging out with friends and family and being sad or angry. Not doing well in school, sleeping a lot, and eating more or less than usual can also be signs.

If you notice that your teen has been down a lot and lost interest in things they used to like doing, they may be depressed. The teen may not even be aware they are depressed.

There are two main kinds of depression. Major depressive disorder is the most common. That’s when a kid has bad stretches of depression for months. Dysthymia, the other kind, is milder, but it can go on for years. Since depression causes low energy and problems concentrating, it can have a negative impact on school and friendships. That, in turn, can cause low self-esteem, which can make depression worse. Feeling bad about yourself can also lead to anxiety.

Early treatment is important to head off long-term effects of depression. The most common treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is aimed at changing the negative thinking the teen is caught in. It teaches kids ways of noticing and changing upsetting emotions. Antidepressant medication can be added to therapy. The combination often works better than either treatment separately.

Since adolescents are often moody, it can be difficult to recognize when your child has become depressed and might need help. The thing people tend to notice first is withdrawal, or when the teenager stops doing things they usually like to do. There might be other changes in their mood, including sadness or irritability. Or in their behavior, including appetite, energy level, sleep patterns, and academic performance. If several of these symptoms are present, be vigilant about the possibility of teen depression.

This is especially important because by the time family members and other people around a teenager note their lack of interest in most things — or what we callanhedonia — they’ve usually been depressed for some time. Depression is an internalizing disorder, i.e. one that disturbs a patient’s emotional life, rather than an externalizing one, which takes the form of disruptive or problematic behavior. As such, it takes a while not only for others to recognize it but often for the patient themselves to realize that their thinking, and emotional responses, are disturbed.

Note that there are actually two kinds of depression. In major depressive disorder — the most familiar form of depression — the symptoms occur in what may be severe episodes that tend to last from seven to nine months. But there is also another form of depression called dysthymia, in which the symptoms are milder, but they last longer, even years. So while the experience of dysthymia may be less debilitating for the child at any given moment, the risk is that there is more accrued damage and more time in which the child is kept out of the healthy development process.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Why early intervention is critical

When a teenager is depressed, their suffering isn’t the only reason it’s important to get help. In addition to the disorder itself, there are add-on effects that may cause lifelong issues. With depression symptoms comes low energy and poor concentration, two factors that are likely to have a significant impact on social and academic functioning.

It’s easy to see the effects of poor academic functioning: falling behind in school undermines a child’s confidence and self-image and can impact their future if it’s prolonged. But social learning is just as critical as academic learning inadolescence. Deficits in social skills not only put depressed teens behind their peers but in themselves can compound their depression.

Depression plus anxiety

It’s important to understand that a teenager who is depressed may also develop anxiety and may need to be treated for two separate disorders. It may be that depression leads to anxiety — the negative state of mind of a depressed teenager lends itself to uncertainty. If you’re not feeling good about yourself, confident, secure, or safe, anxiety may find fertile ground. It may also be because the regions of the brain affected by anxiety and depression are close together and mutually affected.

Two serious problems that are directly associated with teenage depression and anxiety are suicidal thinking (or behavior) and substance abuse. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24, and we know that most kids who die by suicide have been suffering from a psychiatric illness. Especially at risk are teenagers who hide their depression and anxiety from parents and friends. That’s why it’s important to be alert to signs of these disorders — withdrawal, changes in school performance, eating habits, sleeping patterns, things they enjoy doing — even when teenagers aren’t forthcoming about how they feel.

Similarly, the majority of teenagers who developsubstance abuse problems also have apsychiatric disorder, including, most commonly, anxiety or depression, which is another important reason to get treatment in a timely way.

Treatments for depression

Fortunately, early involvement of health care professionals can shorten the period of illness and decrease the likelihood of missing important life lessons.

The most common treatment a mental health professional is apt to use is some form ofcognitive behavioral therapy, and depending on how young the child is, it may involve teaching the parents as well. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that a person suffering from a mood disorder is trapped in a negative pattern of thought. Depressed kids tend to evaluate themselves negatively, interpret the actions of others in a negative way, and assume the darkest possible outcome of events. In CBT, we teach sufferers to challenge those negative thoughts, recognize the pattern and train themselves to think outside it. And in many cases, we see real improvement.

If the depression is moderate to severe, treatment may involve medications such as antidepressants. A combination of psychotherapy and medication usually works better than either alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?

What are the two serious problems associated with teen depression and anxiety?

Two serious problems that are directly associated with teenage depression and anxiety are suicidal thinking (or behavior) and substance abuse. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24, and we know that most kids who die by suicide have been suffering from a psychiatric illness.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-what-are-the-symptoms-of-depression-in-teenagers-2/

Signs your child might be more than moody

Writer: Ron J. Steingard, MD

Clinical Expert: Ron J. Steingard, MD

What You'll Learn

- What are the symptoms of depression in teens?

- Why is it important to catch depression early?

- What is the treatment for depression in teens?

- Quick Read

- Full Article

- Why early intervention is critical

- Depression plus anxiety

- Treatments for depression

Teens are often moody. That’s why it’s easy to miss signs that they’re actually depressed and need help. Symptoms of depression in teens include things like avoiding hanging out with friends and family and being sad or angry. Not doing well in school, sleeping a lot, and eating more or less than usual can also be signs.

If you notice that your teen has been down a lot and lost interest in things they used to like doing, they may be depressed. The teen may not even be aware they are depressed.

There are two main kinds of depression. Major depressive disorder is the most common. That’s when a kid has bad stretches of depression for months. Dysthymia, the other kind, is milder, but it can go on for years. Since depression causes low energy and problems concentrating, it can have a negative impact on school and friendships. That, in turn, can cause low self-esteem, which can make depression worse. Feeling bad about yourself can also lead to anxiety.

Early treatment is important to head off long-term effects of depression. The most common treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is aimed at changing the negative thinking the teen is caught in. It teaches kids ways of noticing and changing upsetting emotions. Antidepressant medication can be added to therapy. The combination often works better than either treatment separately.

Since adolescents are often moody, it can be difficult to recognize when your child has become depressed and might need help. The thing people tend to notice first is withdrawal, or when the teenager stops doing things they usually like to do. There might be other changes in their mood, including sadness or irritability. Or in their behavior, including appetite, energy level, sleep patterns, and academic performance. If several of these symptoms are present, be vigilant about the possibility of teen depression.

This is especially important because by the time family members and other people around a teenager note their lack of interest in most things — or what we callanhedonia — they’ve usually been depressed for some time. Depression is an internalizing disorder, i.e. one that disturbs a patient’s emotional life, rather than an externalizing one, which takes the form of disruptive or problematic behavior. As such, it takes a while not only for others to recognize it but often for the patient themselves to realize that their thinking, and emotional responses, are disturbed.

Note that there are actually two kinds of depression. In major depressive disorder — the most familiar form of depression — the symptoms occur in what may be severe episodes that tend to last from seven to nine months. But there is also another form of depression called dysthymia, in which the symptoms are milder, but they last longer, even years. So while the experience of dysthymia may be less debilitating for the child at any given moment, the risk is that there is more accrued damage and more time in which the child is kept out of the healthy development process.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Why early intervention is critical

When a teenager is depressed, their suffering isn’t the only reason it’s important to get help. In addition to the disorder itself, there are add-on effects that may cause lifelong issues. With depression symptoms comes low energy and poor concentration, two factors that are likely to have a significant impact on social and academic functioning.

It’s easy to see the effects of poor academic functioning: falling behind in school undermines a child’s confidence and self-image and can impact their future if it’s prolonged. But social learning is just as critical as academic learning inadolescence. Deficits in social skills not only put depressed teens behind their peers but in themselves can compound their depression.

Depression plus anxiety

It’s important to understand that a teenager who is depressed may also develop anxiety and may need to be treated for two separate disorders. It may be that depression leads to anxiety — the negative state of mind of a depressed teenager lends itself to uncertainty. If you’re not feeling good about yourself, confident, secure, or safe, anxiety may find fertile ground. It may also be because the regions of the brain affected by anxiety and depression are close together and mutually affected.

Two serious problems that are directly associated with teenage depression and anxiety are suicidal thinking (or behavior) and substance abuse. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24, and we know that most kids who die by suicide have been suffering from a psychiatric illness. Especially at risk are teenagers who hide their depression and anxiety from parents and friends. That’s why it’s important to be alert to signs of these disorders — withdrawal, changes in school performance, eating habits, sleeping patterns, things they enjoy doing — even when teenagers aren’t forthcoming about how they feel.

Similarly, the majority of teenagers who developsubstance abuse problems also have apsychiatric disorder, including, most commonly, anxiety or depression, which is another important reason to get treatment in a timely way.

Treatments for depression

Fortunately, early involvement of health care professionals can shorten the period of illness and decrease the likelihood of missing important life lessons.

The most common treatment a mental health professional is apt to use is some form ofcognitive behavioral therapy, and depending on how young the child is, it may involve teaching the parents as well. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that a person suffering from a mood disorder is trapped in a negative pattern of thought. Depressed kids tend to evaluate themselves negatively, interpret the actions of others in a negative way, and assume the darkest possible outcome of events. In CBT, we teach sufferers to challenge those negative thoughts, recognize the pattern and train themselves to think outside it. And in many cases, we see real improvement.

If the depression is moderate to severe, treatment may involve medications such as antidepressants. A combination of psychotherapy and medication usually works better than either alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?

What are the two serious problems associated with teen depression and anxiety?

Two serious problems that are directly associated with teenage depression and anxiety are suicidal thinking (or behavior) and substance abuse. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24, and we know that most kids who die by suicide have been suffering from a psychiatric illness. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-what-are-the-symptoms-of-depression-in-teenagers-2/

Signs your child might be more than moody

Writer: Ron J. Steingard, MD

Clinical Expert: Ron J. Steingard, MD

What You'll Learn

- What are the symptoms of depression in teens?

- Why is it important to catch depression early?

- What is the treatment for depression in teens?

- Quick Read

- Full Article

- Why early intervention is critical

- Depression plus anxiety

- Treatments for depression

Teens are often moody. That’s why it’s easy to miss signs that they’re actually depressed and need help. Symptoms of depression in teens include things like avoiding hanging out with friends and family and being sad or angry. Not doing well in school, sleeping a lot, and eating more or less than usual can also be signs.

If you notice that your teen has been down a lot and lost interest in things they used to like doing, they may be depressed. The teen may not even be aware they are depressed.

There are two main kinds of depression. Major depressive disorder is the most common. That’s when a kid has bad stretches of depression for months. Dysthymia, the other kind, is milder, but it can go on for years. Since depression causes low energy and problems concentrating, it can have a negative impact on school and friendships. That, in turn, can cause low self-esteem, which can make depression worse. Feeling bad about yourself can also lead to anxiety.

Early treatment is important to head off long-term effects of depression. The most common treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is aimed at changing the negative thinking the teen is caught in. It teaches kids ways of noticing and changing upsetting emotions. Antidepressant medication can be added to therapy. The combination often works better than either treatment separately.

Since adolescents are often moody, it can be difficult to recognize when your child has become depressed and might need help. The thing people tend to notice first is withdrawal, or when the teenager stops doing things they usually like to do. There might be other changes in their mood, including sadness or irritability. Or in their behavior, including appetite, energy level, sleep patterns, and academic performance. If several of these symptoms are present, be vigilant about the possibility of teen depression.

This is especially important because by the time family members and other people around a teenager note their lack of interest in most things — or what we callanhedonia — they’ve usually been depressed for some time. Depression is an internalizing disorder, i.e. one that disturbs a patient’s emotional life, rather than an externalizing one, which takes the form of disruptive or problematic behavior. As such, it takes a while not only for others to recognize it but often for the patient themselves to realize that their thinking, and emotional responses, are disturbed.

Note that there are actually two kinds of depression. In major depressive disorder — the most familiar form of depression — the symptoms occur in what may be severe episodes that tend to last from seven to nine months. But there is also another form of depression called dysthymia, in which the symptoms are milder, but they last longer, even years. So while the experience of dysthymia may be less debilitating for the child at any given moment, the risk is that there is more accrued damage and more time in which the child is kept out of the healthy development process.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Why early intervention is critical

When a teenager is depressed, their suffering isn’t the only reason it’s important to get help. In addition to the disorder itself, there are add-on effects that may cause lifelong issues. With depression symptoms comes low energy and poor concentration, two factors that are likely to have a significant impact on social and academic functioning.

It’s easy to see the effects of poor academic functioning: falling behind in school undermines a child’s confidence and self-image and can impact their future if it’s prolonged. But social learning is just as critical as academic learning inadolescence. Deficits in social skills not only put depressed teens behind their peers but in themselves can compound their depression.

Depression plus anxiety

It’s important to understand that a teenager who is depressed may also develop anxiety and may need to be treated for two separate disorders. It may be that depression leads to anxiety — the negative state of mind of a depressed teenager lends itself to uncertainty. If you’re not feeling good about yourself, confident, secure, or safe, anxiety may find fertile ground. It may also be because the regions of the brain affected by anxiety and depression are close together and mutually affected.

Two serious problems that are directly associated with teenage depression and anxiety are suicidal thinking (or behavior) and substance abuse. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24, and we know that most kids who die by suicide have been suffering from a psychiatric illness. Especially at risk are teenagers who hide their depression and anxiety from parents and friends. That’s why it’s important to be alert to signs of these disorders — withdrawal, changes in school performance, eating habits, sleeping patterns, things they enjoy doing — even when teenagers aren’t forthcoming about how they feel.

Similarly, the majority of teenagers who developsubstance abuse problems also have apsychiatric disorder, including, most commonly, anxiety or depression, which is another important reason to get treatment in a timely way.

Treatments for depression

Fortunately, early involvement of health care professionals can shorten the period of illness and decrease the likelihood of missing important life lessons.

The most common treatment a mental health professional is apt to use is some form ofcognitive behavioral therapy, and depending on how young the child is, it may involve teaching the parents as well. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that a person suffering from a mood disorder is trapped in a negative pattern of thought. Depressed kids tend to evaluate themselves negatively, interpret the actions of others in a negative way, and assume the darkest possible outcome of events. In CBT, we teach sufferers to challenge those negative thoughts, recognize the pattern and train themselves to think outside it. And in many cases, we see real improvement.

If the depression is moderate to severe, treatment may involve medications such as antidepressants. A combination of psychotherapy and medication usually works better than either alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?

What are the two serious problems associated with teen depression and anxiety?

Two serious problems that are directly associated with teenage depression and anxiety are suicidal thinking (or behavior) and substance abuse. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24, and we know that most kids who die by suicide have been suffering from a psychiatric illness. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=15652

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Signs a Child Might Be Suicidal

What to watch out for and how to help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh3wd4AFT4c

Writer: Rachel Ehmke

Clinical Expert: Ramon Burgos, MD

Important:
If you or someone you know needs help now, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Some young people who are thinking about suicide let people close to them know that they are in pain and are open about needing help. Others hide their feelings from family and friends. If you are wondering if your child is suicidal, experts say that asking them is the best way to find out.

Parents sometimes worry that asking about suicide may make it more likely, but that isn’t the case, and asking is very important. For children who have a hard time admitting they need help, it sends the message that a parent cares very much about them, and that struggling and asking for help is okay. That conversation can be lifesaving.

While asking is the best way to find out, there are also some warning signs to watch out for if you are worried about suicide, including the following:

- Isolation from friends and family
- Problems eating or sleeping
- Mood swings
- Reckless behavior
- Dropping grades
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Giving away belongings
- Talking about feeling hopeless or trapped
- Talking about being a burden to others or not belonging
- Talking about suicide or wanting to die
- Writing or drawing about suicide or acting it out in play

There are also some risk factors that may make some people more vulnerable to suicide, like a family history of suicide, bullying, and access to things like firearms and pills. Struggling with a mental health disorder or alcohol and substance abuse can also be factors. Learn more about risk factors and protective factors here.

If your child has any of the warning signs above, ask them if they are thinking about suicide. If you are worried that they may attempt suicide, call 911. Experts agree that suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously.

Learn about a form of OCD in which people obsess over the idea of suicide, but are not actually suicidal.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-signs-a-child-might-be-suicidal-2/

What to watch out for and how to help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh3wd4AFT4c

Writer: Rachel Ehmke

Clinical Expert: Ramon Burgos, MD

Important:If you or someone you know needs help now, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Some young people who are thinking about suicide let people close to them know that they are in pain and are open about needing help. Others hide their feelings from family and friends. If you are wondering if your child is suicidal, experts say that asking them is the best way to find out.

Parents sometimes worry that asking about suicide may make it more likely, but that isn’t the case, and asking is very important. For children who have a hard time admitting they need help, it sends the message that a parent cares very much about them, and that struggling and asking for help is okay. That conversation can be lifesaving.

While asking is the best way to find out, there are also some warning signs to watch out for if you are worried about suicide, including the following:

- Isolation from friends and family

- Problems eating or sleeping

- Mood swings

- Reckless behavior

- Dropping grades

- Increased use of alcohol or drugs

- Giving away belongings

- Talking about feeling hopeless or trapped

- Talking about being a burden to others or not belonging

- Talking about suicide or wanting to die

- Writing or drawing about suicide or acting it out in play

There are also some risk factors that may make some people more vulnerable to suicide, like a family history of suicide, bullying, and access to things like firearms and pills. Struggling with a mental health disorder or alcohol and substance abuse can also be factors. Learn more about risk factors and protective factors here.

If your child has any of the warning signs above, ask them if they are thinking about suicide. If you are worried that they may attempt suicide, call 911. Experts agree that suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously.

Learn about a form of OCD in which people obsess over the idea of suicide, but are not actually suicidal.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-signs-a-child-might-be-suicidal-2/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Mental health expert gives tips for suicide prevention

COLUMBUS, Miss. – It costs nothing to be kind, and it may even save a life.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

When life becomes overwhelming, it can sometimes feel as if all hope is lost.

This month, agencies across the country are spreading awareness and educating the public on how to help prevent death by suicide.

“It is a major health crisis, and we have to treat it like a major health crisis,” said Veronica Harrison, MS LPC-S.

Veronica Harrison is the Lowndes County Administrator for Community Counseling Services.

If you’re with a person who is struggling, she said, one of the first things you can do is listen.

“Sometimes they just need you to hear them, without judging them, without telling them how you would do it, or how they should do it. Just hear them and let them know it’s ok. If a person needs your guidance or advice, allow them to ask you for it. Don’t always throw it in,” said Harrison.

The Mississippi State Department of Health said suicide is the third leading cause of death for people in Mississippi, ages 10-24.

Half of that age group are adolescents.

Harrison said children being exposed to difficult things at an early age can sometimes contribute to poor mental health.

“Trauma, trauma happens earlier, children have distinct needs just like adults. They have things they’re facing, peer pressure is harder,” said Harrison.

She says social media can also have negative effects on mental health.

She advises creating a safe space for children to express how they feel.

However, for any age, she says there are some common signs that point to someone struggling.

“If someone has been completely depressed and down for a long period of time, and all of sudden, they’re extremely elevated, that sometimes a trigger,” said Harrison.

Drastic changes in moods or behavior are also signs.

The Columbus Police Department has been learning how to handle those experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Crisis Intervention team has been in effect for 5 or 6 years.

“With CIT, we’re all about showing compassion, all about showing empathy. With that type of tool on their belt, it certainly helps the officer and also the person who is in the crisis,” said Captain Kennedy Meaders, the CIT training coordinator.

The CIT involves a 40-hour class led by MSDH or Community Counseling Services.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Captain Kennedy Meaders agrees with having a listening ear.

“The most important thing we learn to do is to listen. We listen to what the person in crisis is doing. We call them consumers. We listen to what the consumer is saying, and we ask them questions. And basically, it’s not just to give me a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. It’s to tell me how you’re feeling, tell me what’s going on,” said Meaders.

He said their goal is to get them into a Crisis Stabilization Unit.

They also take them to the hospital to see if they need evaluation or further help.

“Check in on yourself and check in your friends,” said Harrison.

There are eight CIT officers at CPD, and the department has one on each shift.

If you are in crisis, Harrison advises getting professional help or talking with a trusted friend or family member.

Monday, September 8, was also 988 Day.

988 is the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call this number or reach out to your county’s Community Counseling Center.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-mental-health-expert-gives-tips-for-suicide-prevention/

COLUMBUS, Miss. – It costs nothing to be kind, and it may even save a life.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

When life becomes overwhelming, it can sometimes feel as if all hope is lost.

This month, agencies across the country are spreading awareness and educating the public on how to help prevent death by suicide.

“It is a major health crisis, and we have to treat it like a major health crisis,” said Veronica Harrison, MS LPC-S.

Veronica Harrison is the Lowndes County Administrator for Community Counseling Services.

If you’re with a person who is struggling, she said, one of the first things you can do is listen.

“Sometimes they just need you to hear them, without judging them, without telling them how you would do it, or how they should do it. Just hear them and let them know it’s ok. If a person needs your guidance or advice, allow them to ask you for it. Don’t always throw it in,” said Harrison.

The Mississippi State Department of Health said suicide is the third leading cause of death for people in Mississippi, ages 10-24.

Half of that age group are adolescents.

Harrison said children being exposed to difficult things at an early age can sometimes contribute to poor mental health.

“Trauma, trauma happens earlier, children have distinct needs just like adults. They have things they’re facing, peer pressure is harder,” said Harrison.

She says social media can also have negative effects on mental health.

She advises creating a safe space for children to express how they feel.

However, for any age, she says there are some common signs that point to someone struggling.

“If someone has been completely depressed and down for a long period of time, and all of sudden, they’re extremely elevated, that sometimes a trigger,” said Harrison.

Drastic changes in moods or behavior are also signs.

The Columbus Police Department has been learning how to handle those experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Crisis Intervention team has been in effect for 5 or 6 years.

“With CIT, we’re all about showing compassion, all about showing empathy. With that type of tool on their belt, it certainly helps the officer and also the person who is in the crisis,” said Captain Kennedy Meaders, the CIT training coordinator.

The CIT involves a 40-hour class led by MSDH or Community Counseling Services.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Captain Kennedy Meaders agrees with having a listening ear.

“The most important thing we learn to do is to listen. We listen to what the person in crisis is doing. We call them consumers. We listen to what the consumer is saying, and we ask them questions. And basically, it’s not just to give me a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. It’s to tell me how you’re feeling, tell me what’s going on,” said Meaders.

He said their goal is to get them into a Crisis Stabilization Unit.

They also take them to the hospital to see if they need evaluation or further help.

“Check in on yourself and check in your friends,” said Harrison.

There are eight CIT officers at CPD, and the department has one on each shift.

If you are in crisis, Harrison advises getting professional help or talking with a trusted friend or family member.

Monday, September 8, was also 988 Day.

988 is the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call this number or reach out to your county’s Community Counseling Center. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-mental-health-expert-gives-tips-for-suicide-prevention/