Can Children Be Depressed?
When you see a small child that is constantly somber and subdued, it may make you think of a depressed adult. The next thought that comes into your mind will probably be that a child from a stable home situation can have nothing to be depressed about. But the sad, and often misunderstood, fact about depression is that many cases start in childhood.
In order to understand childhood depression, you must have a definition of depression in mind. Many people say, “I am so depressed” when they have a particularly disappointing or sad day, but there is a major distinction between these momentary, fleeting feelings of sadness and genuine clinical depression. Clinical depression is a continual, pervasive sense of sadness, dread, and anxiety. When left untreated, depression can lead to serious health issues and even thoughts of suicide.
There is a general feeling that children should be happy as long as all of their physical and emotional needs are tended to at home. But many people do not realize the daily struggles that children have outside of the home. The feeling of helplessness overtakes many children because they do not have the capabilities to understand the world around them. With the overwhelming need to please authority figures while at the same time fitting in with their peers, children have many internal struggles that may often lead them into a feeling of depression.
Depression, while exhibited as an emotional response, has a chemical cause that can and should be treated. While scientists have very limited understanding about the function of the brain, they do realize that certain chemicals can become imbalanced in the brain, leading to depression. The treatment for depression often involves medications and relaxation techniques that balance out these chemicals.
The most important thing a parent can do to help their child battle depression is to be aware of the risk their child faces and knowledgeable about the symptoms they might see in their children. Children who are depressed will have persistent feelings of sadness or be constantly irritable. They will often express or exhibit a low self-image. This is often exhibited in statements such as “I’m so dumb” that seem to come out of nowhere.
Children who are depressed will find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork or other responsibilities. They may loose sleep, or begin to sleep too much. Their appetite will either increase or decrease dramatically. The same occurs in their level of activity.
Depressed children often exhibit physical symptoms, such as a persistent stomachache or headache that seems to have no trigger. Other changes in the child’s normal routine or behavior can be signs of depression. While the depression may be triggered by an obvious event, such as the death of a relative or sudden move, if the symptoms persist for an extended period of time, it becomes dangerous.
If your child shows signs of depression, the best thing to do is to call a professional immediately. This professional can either be your family doctor or even a school counselor. If these people do not have experience working with depressed children, then they can recommend another professional who does have experience. Medications and aggressive therapy may be suggested treatments for your depressed child, but it will be worth it in the long run. Getting involved in your child’s life is the best thing a parent can do in order to contribute to a happy childhood.
