Depression in Children

Sadness is felt time and again by everyone. Not only adults but children feel it too. But, we ascribe their sadness as mere ‘blues’ and not something to be concerned about. Children too are prone to depression, in their case, childhood depression.?

Adults need to acknowledge that childhood depression is more than children feeling moody when their wishes are not fulfilled. If their feelings of sadness last more than 2 weeks, then it is accounted as childhood depression.

Childhood depression is a serious mental health issue but if treated at the right time, it can be taken care of on time. It cannot be forgotten that children may have difficulties in expressing what they feel and hence making it difficult to understand whether or not they are struggling with depression. What parents can do is to look out for symptoms for the same.

One needs to understand that the symptoms of childhood depression are the same as seen in adults. Some of the symptoms to look out for described below:

• irritability or anger
• changes in behavior and temperament
• increased or decreased appetite
• increased or decreased sleep
• emotional or vocal outbursts
• frequent expression of physical illness, such as headaches or stomach aches
• reduced concentration
• defiance
• decline in performance at school
• expressing negative thinking (self-critical comments or complaining)
• talking about death or dying

One needs to understand that it is not important for the child to show all these symptoms at once: one might be prominent whereas the other might just coexist with each other. Factors like family difficulties, bullying, any form of abuse or genetic factors can contribute to depression.?

Once diagnosed, it is easy to work with those diagnosed with childhood depression. Both psychotherapy and antidepressants go hand-in-hand with each other. Initially, psychotherapy is used as a means followed by medications of drugs like Prozac with children. Antidepressants, if not given under the care of a professional, might prove more detrimental than beneficial, and need to be consumed with caution – especially in the case of children.?

Instead of taking matters into your own hands, if you feel that your child has not been well for a really long time and their sadness lingers, then it is better to reach out to a medical care professional on time. The sooner the diagnosis, the better the treatment and improvement.?