Currently, I am studying in the field of abnormal psychology. When one thinks of mental health, as in mental illnesses such as depression and obsessive compulsive personality disorder, one does not often associate these as manifesting in childhood. The reality is, however, that mental illness is a lot more predominate in children than once thought. The growing research in this area is on one hand very illuminating and informative but on the other hand very dark and saddening. Perhaps the most dark and saddening realization in the past years is that children as young as five or six can be thinking of committing suicide. What is even worse is that some, actually have a plan to do so.

Childhood is rich in emotional experience. This is a time when the human being learns to consolidate their emotional experiences to be able to understand themselves better and to be able to communicate with the outside world. What could go so wrong that a child would want to end their lives?

Although not completely understood to date, some indicators of depression have been pinpointed and include:

1. There can be a loss of interest or enjoyment in activities.
2. The child may experience a persistent sense of fatigue or loss of energy or on the other hand the child can be quite rambunctious and not able to sit still for a prolonged period of time. There may be fidgeting or pacing repeatedly as if trying to release pent up energy. This of course can cause an inability to concentrate.
3. There may be outbursts, crying or yelling for no apparent reason.
4. The depression may also manifest itself in somatic complaints, such as persistent headaches and pains in the body.
5. Change is a big indicator, as in change in sleep patterns, change in eating patterns etc…

The important thing to note is that if a child expresses suicidal thoughts or feelings, even in jest, or if there is an indication of substance abuse at a young age, (as young as five or six), to bring the child to a mental health professional (school counselor, hospital psychiatrist or psychologist, community worker) or consult online help forums or even telephone hotlines. There are many resources out there to help children get through their difficulties! One just needs to know the signs that the child is suffering.