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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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