Kids are not likely to sit you down and start talking about their mental health. They instead offer clues through their behavior to what's going on inside their minds. A child who starts acting aggressively, especially when the behavior is coupled with thoughts of suicide, is raising a major red flag that something is amiss. That something is often depression.
Aggressive Behavior
Aggressive behavior in children comes in many forms, MedlinePlus points out. One is defiance. Kids who were formerly obedient and respectful can suddenly start talking back, sassing adults or ignoring household rules. Other aggressive behavior includes theft, vandalism or other criminal mischief, or smoking, drinking and drug use. Plummeting grades in school is another warning sign.
Thoughts of Suicide
Children harboring thoughts of suicide often express those thoughts in a variety of ways, the National Association of School Psychologists explains. Obvious signs include suicide notes, talk of wanting to die or kill themselves, giving away their possessions and cutting or other forms of self-mutilation. Abrupt changes in their behavior, friends or personality are also signs, including suddenly skipping school or wanting to be alone. A constant obsession with death in the child's artwork, school work and journals sometimes also holds evidence of suicidal thoughts, as does an equal obsession with guns, weapons or other items that serve as methods of death.
Causes
A variety of things can lead to a child's depression, KidsHealth says. A chemical imbalance in the brain is one possibility, namely a reduction in neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry "feel good" signals through the nervous system. Genetics also play a part, with depression often running in families. Outside causes include a significant change in the child's life, such as a death of a family member of friend, a parents' divorce or moving to a new city or school. Stress, which can crop up from too much activity or pressure, is another factor behind depression. Depression also arises from a long bout with sickness or as a side effect of some medications.
Other Symptoms
While aggressive behavior and thoughts of suicide are two key symptoms of depression, KidsHealth says there are several others. These include a kid being sad for no apparent reason, lack of interest in or excitement about things he used to enjoy and isolating from family and friends. Physical changes include a weight gain or loss, trouble getting to sleep or equal trouble getting out of bed, and chronic aches and pains that cannot be traced to a medical condition.
Treatment
Taking immediate action is of utmost importance if you suspect your child is depressed, KidsHealth cautions. While treatment can help 80 percent of people suffering from depression, not doing anything about it can turn to the thoughts of suicide into action. Letting your child know you are always there for her is a good place to start, followed by trip to the doctor. A combination of medication and therapy works well to treat depression, MayoClinic.com notes. Your child's primary physician can refer you to a specialist to test for depression and other mental health issues.
