Child Depression Suicide - Discussion

Child depression suicide is a very painful way for parents to lose a child, particularly at such a young age.

According to available records and data, the suicide rate for children between the ages of 10 and 14 was 1.6 for every 100,000 children. Recorded information also indicates that the suicide rate was higher in Hispanic children.

Most suicide related deaths were due to depression in children. While boys succeeded in committing suicide, girls failed, and one of the reasons for boys succeeding in ending their lives has been attributed to the availability of firearms.

It has also been established that nearly one third of children between the age range of 6 and 12 suffering from major depression continue to suffer from bipolar disorder after a couple of years.

Depression has been found to be one of the main risk factors for children committing suicide, and child depression suicide is especially prevalent for children suffering from mood disorders. This is accompanied by substance abuse, but even children who do not abuse drugs have been found to have suicide tendencies and attempt suicide.

Another important risk factor for children attempting suicide and succeeding is failed attempts in the past. This is also one of the main indicators and warning signs for parents and loved ones, because the chances of these children attempting suicide again is almost thirty fold.

Disturbing relationships between parent and child become too stressful for children to handle and often, if they are physically abused, they are going to blame themselves and lose all interest in studies and other activities. They might also think about suicide.

When in a suicidal frame of mind, if the parent or anyone else says or does something harsh or hurtful, these thoughts will take over completely and the kids are very likely going to attempt suicide. Therefore, if children show signs and symptoms of depression at home or at school, it is extremely important that the child be referred to a child psychologist, who can help and save a precious life by preventing child depression suicide.

Another risk factor for child depression suicide is loss. Sometimes, the loss of a parent contributes to depression followed by suicidal thoughts and attempts in children. Children who have suffered losses should therefore be carefully observed and offered counseling or therapy in an attempt to prevent depression, instead of waiting for signs and symptoms to show up.

Untreated childhood depression can lead to major depression and bipolar disorder during the teenage years, when it becomes slightly more difficult to treat. If children exhibit signs and symptoms of depression, it is highly advisable that the parent takes the child to a physician and explains the problem.

Child depression suicides, as well as depression-related suicides in teens and adults, have become one of the major causes of untimely death all over the world. Worse, the rate of suicide mortality continues to increase every year because many children and teens suffering from depression are not diagnosed or treated for the condition.

Depression can be diagnosed and treated quickly and easily, but one must recognize the issue before it takes over completely. Let us all do our part to look out for depressed children and teens.

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