Depression and Self-Injury
Pam Wilson, Psy.D., MFT, (949) 922-7758
Symptoms of Depression in Kids
Change in school performance
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Persistent unhappiness and/or excessive crying
Withdrawal from people and activities previously enjoyed
Excessive guilt or anxiety
Aggressive, impulsive or reckless behaviors
Irritable or easily angered
Physical aches and pains-repeated visits to the school nurse
Recent loss
Talk about death or suicide-THIS SHOULD ALWAYS BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY
Self-injury
Symptoms of Self-Injury
Cutting- usually with a razor blade, but could be any sharp object or fingernails
Burning
Scratching
Picking
Interfering with wound healing
Hair pulling
What to look for at school
Kids with multiple scars on arms, legs or breast area
Look for kids that wear long sleeves daily, especially on warm days
Hesitancy to expose arms or certain parts of body, evasive when confronted
Kids who wear a lot of black: hides blood-stains, generally reflects mood
Symptoms of depression, as listed above
Facts about Self-Injury
-It isn’t always a failed suicide attempt
-A large number are also struggling with eating disorders or substance abuse
-It’s not “just attention seeking” behavior
-A significant number were discouraged as children from expressing emotions, especially anger & sadness, usually girls
-60% report physical or sexual abuse at sometime during childhood
-Mid to upper SES with average to high intelligence, chronic low self esteem
Resources
Books
Cutting: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Mutilation: Steven Levenkron
A Bright Red Scream-Self Mutilation & the Language of Pain: Marilee Strong
The Scarred Soul: Understanding & Ending Self Inflicted Violence: Tracy Alderman
Hotlines
1-800-TEEN-LINE—Teen toTeen Support
1-800-DON’T-CUT—Chicago based program offers SAFE alternatives
Websites
www.webring.org/: network of over 100 Internet sites on self-injury
www.healthyplace.com: info on various mental health issues
www.vistadelmar.org: in-patient treatment for self-injury
Depression & Kids
