Though it is a difficult subject to talk about, understanding and recognizing the symptoms of depression and suicidal thinking is incredibly important.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 10 and 24.
One of the misconceptions about depression is that talking about it causes us to think about it more, which only makes matters worse. But the truth is — we can never really know how something is feeling or what they are thinking if we don’t ask. That’s why it’s important to understand how to recognize the symptoms of depression in children, teenagers, and adults alike.
Understanding the Symptoms of Depression
A sense of hopelessness is one of the most common indicators of suicidal thinking across all age ranges. People who express that they feel a sense of helplessness may be at higher risk of depression or suicidal thinking, and it’s important to note that emotional support and showing genuine empathy for these feelings is crucial in helping anyone overcome them.
It’s important to note here that very young children may struggle to articulate intense emotions, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t experience or express them. Artwork, stories, or play that seem “dark” or make you feel worried or uneasy should always be evaluated by a licensed professional.
It’s completely normal for anyone, including children, to experience changes in mood.
That said, significant changes in mood, such as suddenly shifting from calm and relaxed to aggressive, totally withdrawn, or acute anxiety, can indicate a more serious issue. Other factors that can contribute to depression might include loss or grief (including grief due to divorce or serious family disruption), chronic bullying, a family history of suicide, violence, physical or emotional trauma, easy access to weaponry (such as firearms), a severe sense of rejection, and feeling like a burden on others.
Discussion around depression and suicide should always be open and judgment-free. If you suspect a friend, family member, colleague, partner, or anyone else is suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts, you can ask questions like, “Are you feeling depressed or very sad lately?”. These questions show the person that you understand, empathize with, and care deeply for them.
With proper support in place, anyone can work through the triggers and emotions that may result in suicide or suicidal thinking. It’s vitally important that anyone suffering from these ideations learns strategies to cope from a licensed and experienced professional therapist.
Begin Depression Treatment in Roseville, CA
Regardless of what age you are, you and your family deserve support in overcoming depression symptoms. Our caring therapists would be honored to support you from our Sacramento area counseling practice. You can cultivate a brighter tomorrow starting today from our Roseville and Fair Oaks locations. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
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Contact our counseling office for more information
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Meet with a caring therapist
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Begin depression treatment
Other Services offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to depression treatment, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.