Adolescent
girls are two to five times more likely to experience depression than boys. Additionally,
the symptoms of depression vary somewhat based upon age and gender. Children
who are depressed may be likely to:
·
Make
negative statements about oneself such as, “I hate myself” or “I am stupid”;
·
Catastrophize
or feel like nothing is going well, that nothing can go well, and that
everything is doomed for failure;
·
Show
psychosomatic symptoms (stomachaches, headaches, visits to the nurse’s office);
·
Lose
pleasure in activities that once were fun and/or lose the ability to find
enjoyment or pleasure in any age-appropriate activities;
·
Experience
a recent decline in academic performance or an increase in disciplinary
actions;
·
Create
dark artwork or poetry;
·
Engage
in delinquent behaviors; or
·
Show
signs of low self-esteem.
Adolescents who are depressed may
display the following signs:
·
Persistent
sadness and hopelessness;
·
Withdrawal
from friends, family members and activities once enjoyed;
·
Increased
irritability, agitation, volatile mood or even rage;
·
School
absenteeism, tardiness and/or declining school performance;
·
Changes
in eating and sleeping habits, such as eating and sleeping much more or much
less than usual;
·
Indecision,
lack of concentration or forgetfulness;
·
Poor
self-esteem or guilt;
·
Frequent
psychosomatic complaints, such as headaches and stomachaches;
·
Drug
and/or alcohol abuse;
·
Intense
anxiety; or
·
Thoughts
of death or suicide.
It
is often difficult to know whether or not a student is experiencing depression,
as many of the symptoms listed above are not exclusively indicative of having a
diagnosable disorder. Many of these characteristics are seen during adolescence
in general—such as irritability, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and
self-esteem issues. It is the combination of many of these signs, coupled with
noticeable changes in behavior, appearance and performance that educators
should note. Students
who are considering suicide may display other behaviors, such as:
- Making comments like, “I won’t be a bother to you
much longer,” or “Everyone will be happier when I am gone;”
- Giving away possessions and important belongings;
·
Finding
means to complete suicide (e.g., weapons, pills).