A Type Of Mood Disorder.
A type of mood (or “affective”) disorder, major depression, goes far beyond the typical feelings of sadness that a child might experience. Instead, major depression is a persistently sad or irritable mood that affects a child’s thinking and behavior at home, in school, and with peers.
Early and consistent treatment can help to lessen the risk of recurrence and reduce the severity of symptoms while improving functioning and well-being.
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:
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters and hormones may play a role in how the brain works, which can affect moods and emotions and increase the risk of experiencing depression.
• 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 environment can also make children more likely to experience depression. Rejection and bullying at school may also be a contributing factor.
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:
Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters and hormones may play a role in how the brain works, which can affect moods and emotions and increase the risk of experiencing depression.
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 environment can also make children more likely to experience depression. Rejection and bullying at school may also be a contributing factor.
Treatment
• Medications
• Therapy
• Lifestyle Changes
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.
Dr Anshul Mahajan
Consultant psychiatrist