THE CASE FOR HELP - NEWS AND STATISTICS

According to National Abuse reports, our youth and children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of abuse and neglect. Studies have shown that there are over 3 million cases of abuse and neglect, but only a small percentage is reported. Project Restoration has the resources to help make sure that each case does not go unheard. There is a great demand for additional support for our children and youth in the development of self-esteem. North Carolina Crime Control and Public Safety stated, "Large numbers of North Carolina's families are involved in child welfare cases, and there has been a dramatic increase in the appeals of court proceedings in abuse and neglect cases. In 1999-2000, there were fewer than 10 appeals. That number has since increased to more than 121 and it is anticipated that the number of cases will continue to rise."

What is Teen Depression?

Most of us feel sad or unhappy at various times in our life, but teenage depression that extends for a longer length of time (usually more than 2 weeks) and that interferes with our daily life is considered to be major depression. This type of teen depression is one that isn't to be taken lightly and should be treated as early as possible to prevent further problems.

Studies and statistics show that approximately 1 in 8 adolescents may be suffering from depression, a very scary statistic. Even more frightening is that only about 30% of these children who are suffering emotional/mental turmoil are receiving any treatment for it.(1)

Many teens have mood swings or are quick to express anger, but how do you distinguish between normal teenage angst and a more serious problem?

Teenage Depression Warning Signs

Although at times teens will normally go through some of these following signs, when they occur alone for extended periods of time and/or occur in conjunction with each other it's important to look at what may be causing them.

- Sadness or hopelessness

- Low self-esteem

- Sluggishness (less active)

- Substance abuse

- Spending more time alone (this includes time alone from you as parents and time away from their regular friends)

- Decrease in desire to do things they used to like to do (sports, activities, hobbies)

- Physical ailments (headaches, appetite problems, sleeping problems)

- Problems in school (falling grades, getting into trouble, not paying attention in class)

- Talking about death or suicide (never to be taken lightly)

- Not caring about appearance

- Running away from home

Who's At Risk for Teen Depression?

Every teen is at risk in developing major teen depression, but there are certain groups of individuals that are more prone to this type of disorder.

Females are more likely to develop adolescent depression than males (about 2x more often)

Abused/neglected individuals

Children that have or have had long-term/chronic illnesses

Teens that have a family history of depression

Teens with family disruptions at home (divorce, death in family, etc)

Adolescent Depression Treatment Options

Depending on the degree of depression your teen is determined to have, there are several forms of treatment that are available. Only a mental health professional is qualified to determine what would be the best course of treatment for your child.

All types of treatment can take place either at home and/or in a residential setting.

Medicine (anti-depressants - usually used in addition to other forms of therapy)

Individual Therapy -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - helps to teach healthy ways of thinking

-Interpersonal Psychotherapy - helps to determine interpersonal issues/situations that may be the cause of the depression

Group Therapy - individuals with the same affliction meet together to discuss their problems and in turn help each other through their situations

Major adolescent depression, if left untreated, will rarely go away on it's own. Relapses are extremely common and should always be prevented. Other forms of mental health illnesses are more common as well in depressed teens. If teens are left without help, they may decide to take things into their own hands. They can turn to alcohol and/or drug abuse to help make their pain go away. At it's worst, teen depression can lead to suicide. According to www.teendepression.org, teen suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24. We must all do our part in preventing these outcomes as best we can. Early intervention is key. Watch for those warning signs and if observed, seek the necessary help right away.

More Information

Drug and Alcohol Use Statistics

"In the United States, approximately three-fourths of all deaths among persons aged 10--24 years result from only four causes: motor-vehicle crashes, other unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide. Results from the 1999 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey demonstrate that numerous high school students engage in behaviors that increase their likelihood of death from these four causes...[including alcohol and illicit drug use]" Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Centers for Disease Control, Risk Youth Behavior Surveillance

Other News

Who Are the Perpetrators?

No matter how the fatal abuse occurs, one fact of great concern is that the perpetrators are, by definition, individuals responsible for the care and supervision of their victims. In 2005, one or both parents were involved in 76.6 percent of child abuse or neglect fatalities. Of the other 23.4 percent of fatalities, 13.0 percent were the result of maltreatment by non-parent caretakers, and 10.4 percent represent unknown or missing information.

There is no single profile of a perpetrator of fatal child abuse, although certain characteristics reappear in many studies. Frequently, the perpetrator is a young adult in his or her mid-20s, without a high school diploma, living at or below the poverty level, depressed, and who may have difficulty coping with stressful situations. In many instances, the perpetrator has experienced violence first-hand. Most fatalities from physical abuse are caused by fathers and other male caretakers. Mothers are most often responsible for deaths resulting from child neglect.

Teen Depression Resources:

1. www.nih.gov - National Institutes of Health

2. www.teendepression.org - Teen Depression Statistics

3. www.aacap.org - American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry