Tangie is a 10 year old female who is agitated, and complains of a lack of appetite and sadness over the previous two to three months. During the interaction with you she is teary, and complains of an inability to sleep and a lack of interest in her school-work and social activities with her friends. She has been restless in class and unable to complete any assigned class work. However, she denies having any suicidal thoughts.

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Tangie may be suffering from: Depression.

• Lack of interest or enjoyment in activities that were previously enjoyed
• Intense sadness, crying or tearfulness
• Restlessness or lack of energy
• Noticeable weight gain or weight loss
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping significantly more than usual
• Unexplained increases or decreases in appetite
• Trouble concentrating, focusing or remembering
• Becoming tired easily
• Children and teens (compared to adults) may be more likely to display irritability, restlessness and anger, compared to classic sadness

Help and Resources -

Typically, depression can be caused by genetic factors, situational or environmental factors and/or added stress factors.

It is recommended that Tangie attempt to identify any recent events or experiences (e.g., divorce of her parents) that could be causing her additional stress and to problem solve those specific events or experiences. Reaching out to friends and family for social support can be useful. It may also be helpful to seek the services of a professional psychiatrist and/or licensed counselor to address her symptoms as there can sometimes be risk of harm to self or others that develops, even though Tangie isn't currently acknowledging suicidality.

* NOTE: This handbook is not meant, by any means, to act as medical advice or to replace the assessment and diagnosis of a licensed/certified health professional. It is also not meant to take the place of necessary intervention required during a crisis or emergency situation.