“Something strange, something odd, something serious is going on with our young people. It’s a matter that gives all of us grave concern,” Ramey said.
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Ramey said parents should watch children for changes in mood or behavior. Someone who’s depressed might suddenly be more irritable and have changes in eating and sleeping. In clinical depression, the changes in mood will be present over several weeks, not just a few days. If parents notice depression symptoms in their children, they should have them evaluated by their family doctor.
Children and young adults sometimes struggle more than older people with maintaining a sense of perspective, Ramey said. That makes them consider suicide or harming other people.
“When they feel that emotional pain, they think that what they’re feeling today is the way that they’re going to feel forever,” he said. “And what all adults know for sure is whatever’s going on today is going to pass. Kids and young adults don’t have that sense of perspective.”
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If someone other than the child’s parents notice a change in behavior, the child might respond well if that person reaches out to them directly.
“Most kids are very, very receptive to a message of caring and concern as opposed to ‘you’re misbehaving’ or ‘you’re acting like a jerk.’ When framed in that way I find kids are very responsive,” Ramey said.
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