Introduction:
Depression refers to a mood disorder that causes a sad, hopeless, or irritable feeling. Patterns of sleep, appetite, or relationships with others may be affected. Depression affects not only adults but also children. The symptoms of depression in children vary from the usual mood swings that they have during growth and development. It may result in a loss of interest in doing their favorite hobbies, participation in sports, school, or other normal childhood activities. Though the symptoms of depression in children may be similar to that of adults, children may find it difficult to express what they are going through due to their limited emotional vocabulary.
Is Childhood Depression Common?
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions in children. It has been found that anxiety and depression are higher in older children and teenagers in the age group of 12 to 17 years. About 3.2 million adolescents in the age group of 12 to 17 years experienced at least one major depressive episode in the United States. This number represents about 13.3 percent of the U.S. population in the age group of 12 to 17 years.
What Are the Different Types of Depression?
Different types of depression are as follows:
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Major Depressive Disorder: A child is said to be suffering from a major depressive disorder when at least five symptoms of depression persist for two weeks or longer and on most days. This kind of depression can be mild, moderate, or severe, and kids with major depressive disorder may find it difficult to cope with daily activities.
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Persistent Depressive Disorder: Persistent depressive disorder is less severe in children, and the kids suffering from this type of depression may be able to manage their daily activities. However, they find it difficult to give their best and often feel sad and down. Symptoms of depression that persist for more than a year are diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder. These kids may also have an episode of major depression during this time.
What Are the Reasons for Depression in Children?
Before heading to know how to deal with depression in children, it is necessary to know why children and adolescents experience depression. The causes of depression in children could be due to the following:
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Physical illness.
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Family history of depression.
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Family issues.
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Drug or alcohol use.
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Stressful life events.
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Biochemical imbalances (an imbalance in the level of hormones and chemicals may affect the way the brain works).
How to Identify Depression in Children?
Depression can be identified in children in the following ways:
In Kids and Teens of All Ages:
The symptoms are as follows:
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Being lonely most of the time and spending less time with friends and family members.
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A noticeable change in eating habits or weight. It can either increase or decrease.
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Struggling to cope or failing at school.
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Difficulty focusing or making choices.
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Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively.
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Spending more time on media, like watching television for long hours or using electronic gadgets.
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Makes less eye contact than usual and talks less.
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Feels less motivated or has less energy to do even simple tasks.
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Feels sad, guilty, worthless, or cries more often.
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Falling sick frequently and might have stomach aches, headaches, or other pains.
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Not enjoying things that they used to like before.
In Teens and Adolescents:
The symptoms are as follows:
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Poor interest in self-grooming or appearance.
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Indulging in substance abuse.
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Not bothered or not feeling hopeful about the future.
How Is Childhood Depression Diagnosed?
When a parent notices the above signs and symptoms of depression in children, it is necessary to consult a psychiatrist at the earliest. Certain illnesses like anemia (deficient quantity of healthy red blood cells), diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, hypothyroidism (insufficient production of thyroid hormone) or hyperthyroidism (excessive production of thyroid hormone), and so on can also cause depression.
The psychiatrist will check whether these causes have resulted in depression in the child. There are no specific tests to diagnose depression. Based on the information provided by the child’s parents, teachers, or friends about their changes in mood and behavior, the psychiatrist will determine the severity of depression and treat it accordingly.
How to Behave With Children Diagnosed With Depression?
The following steps can be taken by the parents or caregivers to behave with children diagnosed with depression:
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Empathize With the Child: Though it may be difficult, the parent should try talking with the child about what is bothering them and what they are going through without being judgmental or offering advice. When promised to offer the needed support, some children may open up. This will enable the parent to understand what is happening.
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Record the Changes: If the child is not willing to share their feelings with the parent, then the parent can note down the observable signs and changes displayed by the child. This, when shared with the psychiatrist, may enable the psychiatrist to have a better understanding of the child’s mental breakdown.
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Limit Screen Time: Allowing them to use smartphones or other types of media in an attempt to divert their mind will not help as it will refrain them from socializing with others. Making them engaged in conversations with friends and family members can help them deal with the symptoms of depression.
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Focus on the Child’s Strengths: Rather than just asking the child to come out of the situation, parents or caregivers can encourage them to see things in a positive, determined way and praise them whenever they show signs of improvement.
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Let the Child Relax: The child must be explained about the fact that hopelessness and being sad are symptoms of depression, and these are not accurate pictures of reality. The child must be encouraged to indulge in creative, meaningful, and nurturing activities. It must be ensured that they get the right amount of sleep, eat nutritious foods, and exercise regularly, which would uplift their mood.
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Promoting Positive Habits: The parent or caregiver must encourage the child to stay active and follow a regular eating and sleeping schedule. The child must be prevented from exposure to situations where they might experience maltreatment, violence, or excessive stress.
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Positivity at Home: Children spend most of their time at home after school. So, it is necessary to maintain a positive aura at home. Children must be reassured that they are loved and will always be supported. Asking the child about how they are feeling and encouraging them to open up whenever they feel down can create trust in the child that the parent or caregiver will solve their problem whenever they feel down or upset.
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Educate Other Family Members and Teachers: Once a parent or a caregiver understands what the child is going through, they should communicate the same to other family members or teachers so that they, too, can be supportive.
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Spending Time Together: Spending time with the child in doing certain activities together like cooking, going for a walk, shopping, playing games, reading stories, making crafts, or watching movies together can instill positive moods in the child. This can help establish a sense of closeness and can increase the chance of them opening up to the parent in the future.
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Be Kind and Patient: Though it can be hard, a parent or a caregiver should try being patient when the child acts moody or difficult. One can consult a child therapist and ask about ways of dealing with the child when they become moody or difficult. Calmly responding to the child and gradually guiding them towards better behavior can bring about a change in the child.
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Consultation With a Child Therapist: A child therapist is a mental health doctor who will evaluate the status of depression in the child by listening and asking questions to the child. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is generally preferred to treat depression. It involves discussing one’s thoughts, emotions, and feelings, analyzing, and identifying proactive ways to make changes to these thoughts and emotions. Talk therapy might not be effective in children due to their limited vocabulary.
Other therapies, like play therapy employing the use of toys and entertainment, can enable children to deal with their feelings and experiences. Also, art therapy which involves drawing, painting, and other techniques, may aid children in dealing with symptoms of depression.
Conclusion
It may be difficult for the parent or the caregiver to see their child going through depression. Before the parent or the caregiver gets ready to extend a helping hand to the child, they must first understand depression and work to instill positive thoughts and hopes in the child. Seeking help from a child therapist or a psychiatrist can help the child deal with depression. But, it is also equally important to ensure that a healthy environment at home, school, and in the community is maintained. Children have fragile minds, and hence they must be encouraged to discuss openly and honestly about their feelings with their parents or caregivers.
