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Depression
in Children
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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.
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There are many reasons
adults cannot accept the fact that children can also
get depressed as they are.
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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;
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There is an observed frequency in complaints
about physical illness, such as headaches, stomachache,
toothache, muscle pains, and tiredness;
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- 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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