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Depression in Children

 

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Child Learning and Development -> Depression in Children

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.

 

 

 

Child Learning and Development -> Depression in Children

 

 


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