Childhood Depression is different from everyday blues and mood swings. It resembles emotional dips which can be pervasive and long-lasting. It may even get dangerous and life-threatening when overlooked by parents. Depression has really strong symptoms which need to be identified as early as possible. It can also be termed as serious mental health condition that needs medical assessment and treatment.
Identifying depression
The symptoms of depression vary from child to child. Some of the prime symptoms of persistent depression are sadness, irritability, anger etc. Some of the others are –
• Social withdrawal- Loss of interest in playing and enjoying with friends and family
• Feeling worthlessness, hopelessness and low self-esteem – Child may repeatedly say extreme words about one-self like –‘I am bad. I am stupid’ etc
• Physical discomfort or problems like headache, stomach ache or other physical pains etc.
• Change in eating pattern - appetite may increase or decrease
• Vocal or anger outburst and excessive crying
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Changes in sleep pattern - sleeplessness or excessive sleep
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Fatigue and low energy
Factors that may cause depression
There may be more than one cause for depression. It is the result of several factors. Generally, depression is usually caused due to lowered levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, both in adults and children. This limits person’s ability to feel good.
There are also genetic factors which may be responsible for depression. Certain drastic events such as death of a loved one, separation of a friend can become reasons of depression. In teen years, break up may be one of the biggest reasons of depression in children. Along with that, chronic illness can also contribute to depression or side –effects of certain medicinal intake.
Treatment
Psychotherapy (counseling) : Child psychiatrist or psychologist through counseling can help in identifying right cause of depression. May further evaluate degree of depression and plan treatment accordingly. The counselor might prescribe counseling and therapy sessions of child with family and friends.
Medication: Usually doctor may suggest psychotherapy first and consider antidepressant medicine as an additional option if there is no improvement in condition.
Combination of psychotherapy and medication is most effective to successfully treat childhood depression. Remember, not to terminate your child's treatment till he/she is fully cured. Early detection is the key of treating depression in kids. Type of treatment also depends on child’s age and maturity. Therefore, choosing right treatment and doctor is highly important.
