Written By: Simone Sonnier, UT Physicians

An expert outlines the warning signs of #depression and #suicideideation in younger #children.

#Depression and thoughts of #suicide can happen anytime to anyone, including #children. #Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention. Unfortunately, the #socialisolation brought upon by the #pandemic has only worsened matters.

Cesar Soutullo, MD, PhD, #child and #adolescent #psychiatrist with UT #Physicians, shares that while sadness is the most common emotion associated with a decrease in #mentalhealth, it isn’t the only symptom #parents should be on the lookout for.

Warning signs

Cesar Soutullo, MD, PhD

“It’s important to understand that these feelings don’t always start with wanting to die. It usually starts smaller, maybe the #child wonders if anyone would care if something happened to them. Or perhaps they have a growing negative self-perception,” explained Soutullo, vice chair and chief of #child and #adolescent psychiatry in the Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and #Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical #School at UTHealth Houston.

#Parents concerned for their children’s mental well-being should be aware of the following indicators:

- Anger or irritability (more than common unhappiness)

- Being withdrawn

- Losing interest in things they once loved or enjoyed

- Low energy

- Poor #self-esteem, negative self-perception, self-blaming, or feeling useless

- Changes in sleep

- Changes in appetite

- Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness

More severe signs could include #self-harm or reckless #behavior, such as potentially dangerous or violent activity. If you notice your #child struggling with five or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks, Soutullo recommends seeking expert care. The first step could be as simple as an appointment with a #pediatrician or #school #counselor.

“Reaching out for help is the best thing #parents can do to help their #kids. It’s no different than if your #child had asthma and needed a #doctor — #mentalhealth is the same thing. #Parents shouldn’t blame themselves or feel ashamed. It is not their fault,” shared the #physician. 

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
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