DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN

Depression does not only affect adults. Children and teenagers can get depressed too. It is normal for children and teenagers to feel worried or anxious at the present moment. They have all experienced sudden and unexpected changes in their lives and routines due to the pandemic.

It is important to get help early if you think your child may be depressed. The longer it goes on, the more likely it is to disrupt your child's life and turn into a major long-term problem.

Signs of depression in children

Symptoms of depression in children often include:

• sadness, or a low mood that does not go away
• being irritable or grumpy all the time
• not being interested in things they used to enjoy
• feeling tired and exhausted a lot of the time

Your child may also:

• have trouble sleeping or sleep more than usual
• not be able to concentrate
• interact less with friends and family
• be indecisive
• not have much confidence
• eat less than usual or overeat
• have big changes in weight
• seem unable to relax or be more lethargic than usual
• talk about feeling guilty or worthless
• feel empty or unable to feel emotions (numb)
• have thoughts about suicide or self-harming
• actually self-harm, for example, cutting their skin or taking on overdose 

Some children have problems with anxiety as well as depression. Some also have physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach aches.

Problems at school can be a sign of depression in children and teenagers and so can problem behavior, especially in boys.

Why is my child depressed?

Things that increase the risk of depression in children include:

• family difficulties
• bullying
• physical, emotional or sexual abuse

Sometimes the depression is triggered by a difficult event, such as parents separating, a bereavement or problems with school or other children.

Often it is caused by a mixture of things. For example, your child may have inherited a tendency to get depression and also experienced some difficult life events.

If you think your child is depressed

If you think your child may be depressed, it is very important to talk to them. Try to find out what is troubling them and how they are feeling.

Whatever is causing the problem, take it seriously. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but it could be a major problem for your child.

If your child does not want to talk to you, let them know that you are concerned about them and that you are there if they need you.

Encourage them to talk to someone else they trust, such as another family member, a friend or someone at school.

It may be helpful for you to talk to some other people who know your child, such as your spouse or your grandparents.

Children with a family history of depression are at greater risk of experiencing depression themselves. Children who have parents that suffer from depression tend to develop their first episode of depression earlier than children whose parents do not. Children from chaotic or conflicted families, or children and teenagers who abuse substances like alcohol and drugs, are also at greater risk of depression.

Studies have found that first-time depression in children is occurring at younger ages than previously. As in adults, depression may occur again later in life. Depression often occurs at the same time as other physical illnesses. And because studies have shown that depression may precede more serious mental illness later in life, diagnosis, early treatment and close monitoring are crucial.

As a parent, it is sometimes easier to deny that your child has depression. You may put off seeking the help of mental health care professionals because of the social stigmas associated with mental illness. It is very important for you -- as the parent -- to understand depression and realize the importance of treatment so that your child may continue to grow physically and emotionally in a healthy way. It is also important to seek education about the future effects of depression may have on your child throughout adolescence and adulthood.

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