Childhood depression is not the same as normal “sadness.” When a child’s disruptive behavior begins to interfere with normal activities, it may be a sign of a depressive illness. If you feel like your child is depressed, it’s hard to figure out what to do. Children with a family history of depression or those with families in conflict have been found to be at increased risk of developing depression.
It is important to understand that although depression is a serious illness, it can also be treated. Children 12 years of age and older may start using drugs or alcohol and may also show other symptoms related to depression that should be looked out for.
Diagnosis of depression in children
According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 2.8 million adolescents ages 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode (DME) in the past year . This number represented 11.4 percent of the US population between the ages of 12 and 17.
Experts believe that parents of infants and toddlers need to be more attentive to understanding their problem and behavior, as they are unable to express their feelings. According to a report published on abcnews.com in 2006, Dr. Jess Shatkin, director of education and training at the New York University Center for Child Studies, said: “Babies can be depressed. We think that maybe one in every 40 or more, but it certainly can happen. “
The development of a depressed child can be slowed down and they may have frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches. A baby can also be clingy and refuse to eat or sleep, while a young child may show slightly different symptoms, such as crying and waking up at night due to nightmares. At times, they can become very demanding and display destructive behavior, with increased irritability, anger or hostility, experts say.
In older children, bad moods, apathy, bad moods, and reluctance to go to school are some of the common symptoms. They may also find it difficult to concentrate on school and may lose interest in their work and play. Many children complain that they are bored and even if there are activities for them they do not participate and continue to complain that they are “bored”. This could be a sign of depression.
Teen depression is a major problem in the US Depression brings noticeable changes in your thinking and behavior; They can become extremely moody and irritable, and they may give up their interests or hobbies and not find a new one.
According to 2014 data compiled by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 8.3 percent of adolescents experience depression for at least one year at a time, compared to approximately 5.3 percent of the population. general.
Parents may find that their teens lose interest in their own personal appearance or become obsessed with a habit or routine. Young children may also experience frequent thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, one in seven adolescents in the 15-19 age group attempts suicide during the depressive phase.
Is your child depressed?
Depression has a significant impact on adolescent development, but it should be noted that not all children with these symptoms are depressed. Teen depression can negatively affect school and work performance, strange relationships with peers, and family, although some children can continue to function reasonably well in most activities.
“One symptom alone means that your child is unlikely to have depression. It’s about how extreme that problem is,” says Anna Olek of the Mental Health Foundation, a British charity. She added, “You have to ask, ‘Is my son moving on despite the problem or is he holding him back?'”
Make help available
It is very sad to live with depression. Emotional health is as important as physical health. If your child suffers from depression, you should seek professional help. There are many good depression treatment facilities that specialize in depression therapy.