BLOGGERS_HOME
Welcome to Bloggers_Home, today we are going to give you an Overview of Childhood Depression.
Although most people think of depression as an adult illness, children and adolescents can develop depression as well. Unfortunately, many children with depression go untreated because adults don't recognize they're depressed.
It's important for parents, teachers, and other adults to learn about childhood depression. When you understand the symptoms of depression in children and the reasons children develop it, you can intervene in a helpful manner.
Symptoms
Depression in children often presents differently than it does in adults. While adults with depression tend to look sad, children and teens with depression may look more irritable and angry.
You might see changes in behavior, such as increased defiance or a decline in grades at school.
Signs of Depression in Children and Teens
*Irritability
*Anger
*Defiant attitude
*Declining grades
*Physical complaints (stomachache, headache)
Your child might insist that they're fine or they may deny that they're experiencing any problems. Many parents pass off their child's irritability as a phase or they assume it's part of normal development. But, irritability that lasts longer than two weeks may be a sign of depression.
Some children with depression have physical complaints. They may report more stomachaches and headaches than their peers.
Children Are Not Immune to Depression
Sometimes adults assume kids shouldn't be depressed since they don't have to worry about adult issues, like paying bills or running a household.
But kids experience stress, too. And even children who live relatively stress-free lives may develop depression. Children who are raised in good homes with loving parents can become depressed
Causes
Anyone can develop depression and it isn't a sign of weakness. It also isn't your fault if your child is depressed.
While stressful life events, like divorce, may contribute to depression, it's only a small piece of the puzzle. Many other factors, including genetics, also play a role in its development.
There are a number of different factors that can contribute to childhood depression. Some potential risk factors include:
*Family history:
Children with family members who also have mood disorders such as depression are at a greater risk for also experiencing symptoms of depressive disorders.
*Stress or trauma:
Sudden changes such as moving or divorce, or traumatic events such as abuse or assault can also contribute to feelings of depression.
*Environmental factors:
A stressful, chaotic, or unstable home everyone can also make children more likely to experience depression. Rejection and bullying at school may also be a contributing factor.
Children May Resist Talking About Mental Health
Younger children often lack the language skills to verbalize their mood. They may not be able to describe how they're feeling or what they're experiencing.
Older children who have a better understanding of what depression means may feel embarrassed or they may worry that they're different.
Lifestyle Changes
For mild cases of depression, lifestyle changes can often be an effective way to address feelings of depression. Things like finding ways to manage stress, getting regular physical exercise, using relaxation techniques, and building a stronger social support system can help improve how a child feels.
The following are some proactive steps you can take to encourage healthy coping skills and support mental health:
*Talk about how caring for the body also helps the mind. Explain how eating nutritious food, getting plenty of exercise, and sleeping the recommended number of hours each night is good for their mental health.
*Make sure your child has a consistent sleep schedule. Turn off devices before bedtime and make sure your child goes to bed and wakes up at the same time each day.
*Help your child develop a rich social life without over-scheduling their time. Assign responsibilities and reward them for being responsible.
*Teach your child how to solve problems, manage their emotions in healthy ways, and develop strategies that will help them cope with failure and setbacks. Talk about your mental health too and make staying healthy a priority in your family.
Ultimately, it's up to the guardians to decide what treatment options to employ. It's important for parents and children to educate themselves about treatment and the potential risks and benefits of each option.
"LEARN TO ENJOY EVERY
MINUTE OF YOUR LIFE."
Ahmad Saad
