Dealing With Depression in Children: A Parent’s Guide to Support And Treatment

Introduction

Small kids have lots of expectations from the people around them. When these expectations are not met, they feel very sad. Over time, constantly being sad may lead to depression. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to help the child improve their life.

How Can I Tell if My Child Is Struggling With Depression?

Sometimes kids also feel sad, but they don’t know how to express it, so it can be difficult to identify if they are depressed. This can further build feelings of resentment, hatred, and overall sadness. Often, these feelings are not considered, assuming they will get resolved on their own. However, few kids show prolonged effects on their personalities with indifference or lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

The child may seem more withdrawn and irritated with anything happening outside. The parents must be attentive and notice any subtle behavioral changes to diagnose early on and help the child. The earlier the signs are identified, the sooner the required help can be given. The best approach is to talk openly and communicate with the child to support and address any underlying problems.

Is Depression Common In Kids?

Depression is more common in children than is observed. Approximately 1 in 5 kids, especially teenagers, face major depression at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, this number goes unnoticed as most kids suffer silently, not able to voice their concerns. Often, they are categorized as “moody”,” difficult”, or “ sad kid” and left as it is. Their problems are dismissed as nothing major, and their struggles are taken lightly. Understanding that depression is common in kids can help parents remain careful and open to communicate and assess the symptoms. Helping the child or giving them the proper treatment when they are sad can help them feel better.

What Are the Common Causes of Depression in Children?

Generally, children are happy and carefree. But at certain times, they do get depressed. What could lead to them being depressed? Well, there are multiple factors which, when combined, result in a ‘depressed child’. These include:

• Genetics: There is a higher possibility of depression present in children if any of the family members or immediate relatives have any mental health concerns in their medical history.

• Stressful Events: A child who goes through a stressful event, such as parental divorce, the death of a loved one or a pet animal, or any other such traumatic event, can have an increased chance of experiencing depression.

• Chronic Health Issues: A sick child usually harbors feelings of helplessness and frustration, increasing their risk of depression.

• Familial Issues: Children raised in dysfunctional homes are seen to be more depressed than children in stable, supportive families.

• School Pressure: Stress from studying, exam pressure, and academic difficulties might also increase the chances of depression among children.

• Low Self-esteem: Certain kids who don’t feel good about themselves, making them feel unworthy. These lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, increasing depression risk.

• Mental Health Problems: A child with mental health issues such as anxiety, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder can experience depression or worsen the symptoms if already present.

• Bullying and Isolation: Children who are bullied in school or the neighborhood feel socially isolated, and this may lead to sadness, hopelessness, and depression.

Understanding these causes can help the parents make sure the child is given the required support and create a favorable, positive environment for their children.

What Are the Indicators of Depression in Young Children?

So, how can you identify if the kid is in depression, though they cannot express their feelings? Let’s see the various key indicators.

1. Persistent Low Mood: Constant feeling of being upset, angry, and irritated over minor issues for extended periods.

2. Loss of Interest: The child may not feel happy doing things they used to enjoy before, such as playing with friends or doing any hobby activities.

3. Changes in Habits and Routine: There may be marked changes in routine activity, such as the child preferring to be confined to the room and avoiding social interactions.

4. Irregular Sleep and Food Patterns: A depressed and sad child will not sleep properly, which in turn affects their daytime work and play. Also, they will dislike foods that they seemed to like earlier.

5. Tendency to Harm Oneself or Suicide: In severe cases, children may harm themselves or may express thoughts to end their life. These signs must be taken seriously, and immediate help must be sought.

It is important to keep in mind that not all children show all symptoms; rather, they may exhibit them in mixed or subtle forms, so it is necessary that parents track any changes in their child’s routine, behavior, or mood.

How Can Kids Be Evaluated For Depression?

Diagnosing depression in kids is not an easy task. Most of the time, the symptoms are not well defined. In the early stages, the evaluation is done on the basis of communication with the parent and the child to get an idea of all the various aspects of the child. Post this, a deeper evaluation is carried out with the help of depression rating scales, and the like. One such tool is the pictorial instrument, which shows different pictures to understand their emotions and behaviors. The kids are able to express themselves freely with this test. Further tests are carried out to check the severity of the situation.

Can Depression in Children Be Treated?

Yes, children who have felt sad for a long time can get help and start feeling better. The earlier the treatment is initiated, the better the outcome will be. The management of depression typically is a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

1. Psychotherapy: This is the primary form of therapy used, especially in cases with mild depression. Typically, 1 to 4 weeks of psychotherapy will provide significant relief.

   • Psychoeducation: This is considered an important part of psychotherapy, wherein the parents and child are counselled on the different causes, triggers, how to identify, and manage. During the session, the parents' expectations from treatment are noted.

   • Supportive Psychotherapy and Interpersonal Therapy: These therapies ensure that the child and parents have good communication and have a good understanding between them.

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The child is taught to modulate his/her negative thoughts and process them into positive actions and approaches.

2. Pharmacotherapy (Medicines): In patients where only psychotherapy is not enough to manage the symptoms, use of medications, commonly Fluoxetine, is prescribed.

Conclusion

Childhood depression occurs when the child is unable to regulate their feelings and sadness in the long term. Parents must always be on the lookout, talk to kids on a daily basis, understand their viewpoint, and get them the necessary support if they are unable to manage on their own.

Key Takeaway or Note From iCliniq

Depression in children is commonly seen in stressful family situations, academic pressure issues, or when the child is subjected to bullying and isolation in schools. It is necessary that parents and caregivers look out for any signs in their children. If suspected, consult us at iCliniq so we can help you manage it better.