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
“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- Being withdrawn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/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
www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
