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Scientific
research shows that depression can start among children
and this can start earlier in our generation as
compared to the past decades. Approximately 5% of
kids are prone to depression- these are kids below
12 years of age. This shows that not only adults
can suffer from depression but children as well.
It is
a sad fact of reality that depression among children
is under diagnosed. It is not receiving as much
attention as adult depression does.
There
are many reasons adults cannot accept the fact that
children can also get depressed as they are.
Symptoms
of Depression in Children
Often
undiagnosed, depression in kids is often treated
as 'the blues'. It is more difficult to identify
depression in children, but there are common signs
that adults can look at. These symptoms are show
below:
- The
child is always sad, and he always feels worthless
and guilty;
- There
is an observed frequency in complaints about physical
illness, such as headaches, stomachache, toothache,
muscle pains, and tiredness;
- Poor
performance in school and lack of interest in learning
are shown. Sometimes, poor performance becomes drastic;
- The
child expresses concerns about running away from
home or expresses this through jokes;
- Observed
behavior in shouting and complaining is frequent.
The child cries without explanation or reason;
- Observed
behavior of boredom and lack of interest in many
activities that are deemed normal. These activities
are the same activities that most kids his age enjoy;
- Poor
communication skills, which often lead to isolation
from social groups;
- Observed
sensitivity to failure and rejection;
- Feelings
of anger and hostility are observed to increase;
- Behavior
becomes more and more reckless and uncaring;
- There
is an observed change in physical health, such as
weight; there is also an observed loss of appetite
and sleep;
- Suicidal
thoughts are present. This is often verbalized or
expressed in drawings;
The
Reasons behind Depression in Children
Clinical
studies show that depression cannot be attributed
to a single cause. It is a mixture of genetic and
social imbalances. Oftentimes, kids with depression
have experienced traumatic incidents. Some of them
are also having physical ailments that cause them
to feel unwanted, not normal, or isolated.
- Children
with depression most likely have a history of family
disorder.
Stress
may lead to depression. This is because they cannot
cope with adults' expectations from them. Parents
and teachers should not stress the children too
much in learning. There has to be correct phases
in learning so the kids can cope and adjust.
- The
death of a loved one can also cause depression.
Kids are often attached to other adults. The sudden
demise of a loved one can be traumatic for a child,
as opposed to someone whose death is expected.
- Depression
is more likely to develop in kids who have existing
other disorders, like Tourette's Syndrome or other
mental illnesses.
- Chronic
illnesses, such as diabetes, can cause feelings
of worthlessness, thus leading to depression.
- Abused
children, physically or emotionally, are likely
to develop depression.
What
Parents Can Do About Depression
Many
adults find it hard to believe that depression can
exist in children. Without this acknowledgement,
adults will not be able to help these children overcome
depression. Parents should accept the fact that
their kid is depressed. Without this, there is no
sincerity in the attempt to cure the child.
If a
child shows symptoms of depression, the parent should
see a professional immediately. There are also many
mental health professionals who specialize in children's
mental health. There are tests that the child can
undergo to find out if he is really depressed. Once
the diagnosis is over, the doctor or child psychiatrist
can proceed to the treatment or prescription.
Parents
should not blame themselves for depression in children.
Depression, as mentioned earlier, has many root
causes, including environmental and physiological
factors.
One of
the best ways to battle depression is to show the
child that you care. Love the child and support
him.
Treatment
For Depressed Children
There
are available treatment methods for depression in
kids. Being knowledgeable is a key here. If one
knows the symptoms, it can be diagnosed as early
as possible.
Treatment
is often short-term. There is a combination of counseling
and medication, too. Another treatment is identifying
a suitable school and home environment for the kid.
Therapy
can help the child tremendously. This is a phase
where they can spill their emotions. They can express
their anger and frustration and from these therapy
sessions, the parents can understand the causes
of the child's depression and then move on to the
solution.
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