Depression
Depression is well known among adults. However, what many people don’t know, or don’t want to think about, is that it is also a disease of childhood and adolescence. In fact a little over 3% of children over 3 years old have been diagnosed with depression.
What is depression?
In general depression is a feeling of negativity, sadness, and low mood that lasts longer than a few weeks. Everyone can feel down once in a while, but depression is when it doesn’t get better and affects how the child is able to function. Depression is one of the biggest risk factors for suicide, which is the second leading cause of death in older adolescents.
What puts people at risk for depression?
There can be a strong family component to depression. If mom or dad have it, then it is more likely that the child will get it. It doesn’t mean the child will get it, though. You can improve your child’s chances of not getting it by giving the child a warm home where they feel able to confide in you, teaching them coping skills, letting them learn to work through problems. Making sure they have good sleep and exercise can also help.
Other things that put children at risk of developing depression include long lasting anxiety, chronic medical problems, missing sleep, athletic or academic pressures, relationships-especially dating, death of a loved one, and what we call adverse life events (divorce, bullying, discrimination, losing a pet, etc).
Does my child have depression?
The important thing to remember is that depression in children can look much different than in adults. And, although some of the signs may be the same, adolescents and children may also show their depression differently.
Signs in all children can include:
*increased irritability or tantrums
*decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
*increased sensitivity to rejection or failure
*increased or decreased sleep/appetite/weight
*social isolation
*decline in grades
*low energy
*frequent sadness or crying
*increased talk about death and dying, or suicide
Teens can have any of the above, but also watch for:
*substance use
*increased risk taking behaviors
*feelings of worthlessness
*trouble making decisions
If you’re concerned your child may have depression, then you can make an appointment with your pediatrician or therapist to have them evaluated. This evaluation will most likely include questions about other illnesses as well because often things like anxiety and ADHD can occur along with depression.
Can it be treated?
The best treatment for depression is therapy. There are many different kinds of therapy, including play therapy, family therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and parent training in behavior management. Your therapist can help you decide which one is best for you and your child.
Besides therapy, there are some things you can do at home to help your child. Make sure they have a supportive and caring family member, other adult, or friend that they can rely on. Encourage them to develop healthy habits like regular sleeping, eating well, and getting exercise. And check your house for guns, medications, or other items they could use to hurt themselves. If these things need to be in the home, then lock them away safely.
Finally, there are medications that can help your child if the therapy and home interventions aren’t working enough. These have been used successfully in older children and adolescents for many years. Medications, however, can take a few weeks to work, so change won’t be immediate. Also, there is a small risk of them increasing suicidal ideation and behavior in the first few weeks, so make sure you are monitoring your child while they are starting the medication.
Will my child have this for the rest of their life?
There are a few different specific types of depression, and some of the answer depends on what type they have, but it doesn’t have to be life long. However, if you continue with therapy as long as needed and the other at home interventions you may help prevent future episodes.
Is there anything else I can do?
Mental health care is as much or more important than physical health, but it’s unfortunately stigmatized and not well funded. Some people like to think that a problem with mental health means the person is just too lazy to fix themselves, or crazy, or any number of other things. The truth is that mental health issues are caused by many different factors working together, and some people need assistance in getting back to where they need to be.
So, what can you do? You can talk with others about mental illness and health, and let them know it’s just an illness like diabetes or heart disease. If your child is having difficulty with kids at school ask them to put on an educational program that targets mental health stigma. Speak up when someone is making fun of those with mental illnesses.
Links.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Signs of depression in children.
Wold Health Organization on depression.
Depression at healthychildren.org.
Examples of adverse life experiences.
Mental health stigma discussed at mayoclinic.org.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.
