One in ten children under 15 has a mental health problem, according to the Office for National Statistics, and depression is increasingly affecting younger and younger people, including teenagers and children.

Research suggests that young people in today’s society feel that they are judged on what they have, or look like, and often feel inadequate or socially rejected if they are unable to conform with their peers. Studies have found that depressed children believe that happiness is achieved through fame, money and beauty.

Depression in adolescents is often overlooked because sulking, anger and pessimism are often associated with growing up.

For younger children, symptoms of depression include an obsession with death and a fear of being apart from a parent, to the point of losing interest in other children.

One study suggests that depression is the 4th biggest killer of 10 to 14 year olds, and the 3rd biggest killer of 15 to 24 year olds. The high suicide rate is probably due to the intense stress felt by people who have an unsubtle, extreme way of thinking and lack the life experience to know that circumstances will improve over time.

Symptoms of Teenage Depression

• Constant weakness or tiredness
• A drop in school or college results
• Destructive or challenging behaviour
• Boredom, losing interest in friends, sports or activities
• Feeling ashamed or that they are a failure, fears they have to be perfect
• Hallucinations
• A change in weight and hunger or sleeping habits
• Dangerous behaviour, drug or alcohol abuse, self harm
• Restlessness, irritation, aggression or listlessness
• A lack of value for life, hopelessness

Depression and Self-Harm

The UK has the highest rate of self harm in Europe, estimated at nearly half a million people across the country. Every year 170,000 people attend hospital for self-poisoning alone.

Self-harm is when someone deliberately hurts themselves, usually in a state of extreme inner turmoil, possibly by cutting or burning themselves, sticking sharp objects into their body, swallowing dangerous objects or pills, or banging their head or body against hard surfaces. It can also include less obvious reckless actions like uncontrolled drug and alcohol binges, or starving yourself.

About 1 in 10 young people will self-harm at some point, but it can occur at any age. It is four times more common in women than men. Gay and bisexual people, and people who have experienced some kind of childhood abuse, seem to be more likely to self-harm. Sometimes groups of people self-harm together – it’s common in some sub-cultures, especially Goths.

Causes

• Depression, emotional distress and low self esteem
• Possibly triggered by abuse or a relationship crises
• People who self harm often feel bleak, powerless and alone
• Feeling misunderstood and that your life is spiralling out of control
• Hurting yourself could be a way of attempting to feel in control, alleviating inner tension or punishing yourself and relieving your guilt

Most people who self harm are not attempting suicide or looking for attention. Instead, they do so in private and do not want to stop, but treatment is necessary to prevent serious harm. One in three people who self-harm will continue to do so unless treated, and are 50 times more likely to eventually kill themselves. Cutting causes permanent scarring, numbness, and even finger paralysis.

To help someone who self-harms

• Don’t be emotional or angry, or try to be their psychologist. Instead, show you care by talking through their feelings, help them find out about self-harm and getting help
• Talk about self-harm as a problem to be solved rather than a mysterious secret
• Understand that healing will take time and strength – support them through it
• Don’t fight to stop them self-harming in the moment. Rather talk about it later, and let them know you will stand by them even if they slip up
• Don’t become so caught up in helping them that you forget about your own life

More on Depression:

Understanding Depression – The stats, signs and symptoms

Depression and Teens – Depressed people are getting younger and younger

The Causes of Depression – Causes, treatments and what to do if you’re depressed

Your Mental Health: When It’s Not Just Depression – Bipolar Disorder

Depression and Addiction – How depression is linked to drinking and drugs