Depression key risk for youth

Amber Spring

Sara Bragg

Today is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, with the entire month of May being Mental Health Awareness Month. There are many topics that can be identified when discussing children’s mental health. However it is important to address those that are most relevant to Hill County and Montana.

Based on the 2013 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey, depression and suicide are a real risk to Montana youth. In 2013, 25.3 percent of students statewide experienced depression for more than two weeks severe enough to interfere with usual activities, 16.8 percent had seriously considered suicide, 13.6 percent had made a plan regarding suicide, 7.9 percent had attempted suicide one or more times, and 2.6 percent had attempted suicide to the degree that it left them with an injury requiring medical treatment. These numbers only increase for the Native American population, with 31.4 percent experiencing depression, 23.2 percent considering suicide, 19.2 percent with a suicide plan, 20.6 percent attempting suicide, and 4.6 percent attempting suicide and requiring medical treatment. Suicide is preventable, however it requires attention and treatment for the underlying reasons in order for it to be so. That being said, it is important for parents to be aware of the signs of depression, in order to access appropriate services for their child and family. Parents should be aware of:

• Irritability or anger

• Continuous feelings of sadness, hopelessness

• Social withdrawal

• Increased sensitivity to rejection

• Changes in appetite

• Changes in sleep

• Vocal outbursts or crying

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue or low energy

• Loss of interest or ability to function at home, school, or other activities.

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

Thoughts of death or suicide.

It is important to note that some of these symptoms are normal behaviors for some youth or adolescents. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or are a significant disruption in their lives, then treatment may be required. The purpose of this article is to shed light on available services and activities in the community. There are various treatments for depression; medication, therapy or a combination of the two. In addition to treating depression medically, therapy helps children create awareness of their feelings and find appropriate ways of expressing them.

At Rocky Boy, elders from the Suicide Prevention Program are joining the Rocky Boy System of Care Project in “My Feelings are a Work of Art.” Tonight, children and families are invited to create paintings to celebrate children’s creativity and provide caring support. The paintings created last week at Family Night will be showcased at the First Annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Art Show at Rocky Boy. For additional information, contact Project Assistant, Annie Kling at mailto:[email protected]. The System of Care Project is collaborating with Bullhook Medical Clinic for “Text, Talk, Act.” This will be held May 7, and is a discussion about Mental Health that can be accessed on any cell phone. For more information, contact Amanda Christofferson at Bullhook Community Health Center.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness is not only to create discussion regarding the various ailments affecting Montana youth, but also to provide parents with ideas and resources on how to be more proactive and involved in their children’s treatment. One of the greatest barriers to seeking treatment is the stigma attached to mental health issues. Therefore, the community as a whole has a responsibility to educate themselves, and offer support and guidance for those experiencing mental health issues. It is also important for the community to address the prejudice and negativity surrounding mental health issues, and to eliminate this obstacle for those seeking help.

If you would like to learn more about the mental health issues facing our community, please join the Hill County Local Advisory Council. The Hill County LAC aims to increase local public participation and awareness of mental health issues and care.  Since 2006, Hill County LAC has offered community members interested in assessing, planning and strengthening public mental health services in Hill County an opportunity to become involved. For more information on LAC meetings and activities, contact Amanda Christofferson at Bullhook.

(Amber Spring is a licensed clinical professional Counselor in practice in Havre and Sara Bragg works in mental health case management.  Both are members of the Hill County LAC and the Early Childhood Investment Team.)