I was listening to an interview with Andre Agassi. Agassi stated he was depressed and was unhappy in his marriage while playing tennis.

Agassi states he wanted to escape and the way he did was using crystal meth. Agassi stated he was not aware of the dangers in using crystal meth.

Agassi states he never used drugs as a performance enhancing outlet. Agassi states it was very difficult to function while using crystal meth.

Agassi states he “threw” matches because he was not in the mood to win and he struggled with his behavior.

Treatment options for children with depression are similar to those for adults, including psychotherapy (counseling) and medicine . The role that family and the child’s environment play in the treatment process is different from that of adults. Many primary care physicians’ may suggest psychotherapy/ counseling first, and consider antidepressant medicine as an additional option if there is no significant improvement. Currently, there are no good studies documenting the effectiveness of medicine over psychotherapy in children.

There is a lot of controversy about using medication with children. Children and teens are still developing and hormones are rapidly changing. The FDA has warnings on antidepressant medications in that it increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents.

Children with bipolar disorder are usually treated with psychotherapy, counseling, and a combination of medicines, usually an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. Use of an antidepressant alone can trigger bouts of mania.

The FDA has determined that antidepressant medications increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders.

Many parents prefer counseling with a specialist that does counseling and psychotherapy with children, teens, and adolescents. Counseling and psychotherapy are natural methods to treat mood and behavior. Family counseling is a part of the process. It is important for parents to be a part of the process.

Teen suicide is the number three leading cause of death for adolescents after accidents and homicides.In N California four teens stepped in front of trains within a 6 month period which all resulted in suicide.

It is important to check in with your child or teen daily and find out how they are feeling daily. If you do not do this you leave the door open for a child or teens pain to ooze out in unhealthy ways: anger, drugs, alcohol, addiction, depression, anxiety, and more…The only way to do so is to ask and to listen. Parents should use empathy and attempt to understand their child or teens “issues’, challenges, pain, sadness,and anger.

There are many red flags for teen depression for parents to be aware of: child or teen displays hostility, withdraws into room, does not want to talk, isolates, feels hopeless, isolates, grades drop, low energy, sleeps to little, sleeps to much, decreased interest in activities, can not enjoy previously enjoyable activities, a change in eating habits, talks about running away from home, suicidal thoughts or talk, self destructive behavior, cutting self, physical complaints , physical illnesses, irritability, feeling rejected, feeling guilty,low self esteem and more. These are just a few signs that may indicate your child is depression or suffering from depression.

Counseling and psychotherapy with a professional that specializes in teen and adolescent counseling and family counseling is an important step to help your child or teen. Some parents prefer medication management only, however, most experts state counseling should go hand in hand with medication.

Here are some important elements to help your child or teenager with ADD or ADHD:

1. Create a daily schedule for your child or teen with specific chores and daily duties. Place the chart where your child or teen can see the list( back of the door, refrigerator, bathroom mirror etc)

2. Parents will simplify directions: ex: please come to the table instead of I want you to do A, B, C, D.

3. Gross motor movements: get your child and teen involved in exercise and sports daily( the more intense the better).

4. Progressive Relaxation and meditation

5. Imagery and visualization

6. Prepare your child and teen between activities with a time line.

Hulk Hogan stated on Larry King Live last week he was suicidal. Hogan stated his wife of 24 years filed for divorce and he was depressed. Reports allege Hulk had an affair with his daughters friend during the marriage. Reports also allege his wife had an affair with a nineteen year old.

Hulk stated he was also down and depressed that his son was charged with reckless driving. His son served time in jail after crashing a car with a friend in it. His son Nick’s friend John Graziano allegedly is in a semi comatose state according to news sources. This is a a tragedy.

According to Hulk Hogan he is becoming spiritual “through Christ” and is feeling better.