Depression In Preteens
Depression in preteens is an ever-growing problem. While we all sometimes feel the pressures of life, it is never felt more intensely than by preteens. Although the Virginia Tech tragedy was initiated by a young adult, nonetheless, one can view his early years and clearly understand how the issues he had back then contributed to, and acted as the catalyst for, his abrupt and climactic end.
Depression among preteens comes with its own set of signs and symptoms. Here is what to look out for.
1. Is your preteen unusually moody?
2. Has his or her appetite changed?
3. Does he or she spend most of the time in their bedroom with the stereo blasting?
4. Have you noticed your preteen withdrawing from friends and family?
5. Are your preteen’s clothes changing to dark or black and haphazardly worn?
6. Is there a particular type of music your preteen is listening to?
7. Does your preteen talk of gloom and doom or conversely, not talk at all.
8. Has your preteen taken any drugs, or have you found drug paraphernalia in his or her room?
9. Is your teen reading dark comics or other books that are inappropriate?
10. Is your teen spending time on the computer either creating a blog site or website in which the text is foreboding in nature?
Kids today are dealing with problems from every angle of society. Social pressures, sexual pressures, school, home; you name it. Because this is a time of change and trying to ascertain their own individuality, their need to be accepted is paramount to anything else.
In the case of the young man from Virginia Tech, he was a loner, chastised by his schoolmates, and made to feel worthless. While this is not in any way condoning what he did, it certainly makes a case for preteens who are feeling the same way.
Depression among preteens is more than a problem, it is becoming a pandemic. If your child is exhibiting any of the aforementioned signs, it is imperative you talk to him or her in a calm, loving, and peaceful setting. If there is no response, monitor their actions for a week and if there are continued signs of depression, it may be necessary to seek professional help.
Depression in preteens is a serious issue and one which every parent should be aware of and become knowledgeable about in order to be able to intercede when the signs and symptoms become visible.
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