Alert for Parents: Depression in Children
Depression in children is very possible to occur since depression affects people regardless their age. Depression in children can simply take the joy out of child’s life. It is possible for children to feel depressed when they lose something they love much such as a pet. It sometimes also happens after hospitalization or after a sickness.
About 3 out of every 100 children suffer from depression. It is hard to tell if your child suffers from this illness as children are generally moody. In addition, the symptoms of depression in children differ from adults making it even more difficult to be analyzed by experts. Therefore if you assume that your child may be showing depressive signs which taking place form weeks to months, then it is better to tell your doctor about it.
The Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Children
The major symptoms of depression in children consist of: sadness, despair, and mood changes. They are usually veiled off by angry behavior or by an extremely low mood. Though these indicators may be experienced by children from time to time, it differs from normal blues since it materializes in a severe and chronic fashion.
Other signal to depression in children contain: poor concentration in school and in family affairs, continuous unexplained crying and whining, social withdrawal, changes in eating, and feelings of guilt. If you find any of these signal in your children, it would be better to contact a professional for consultation.
The Causes of Depression in Children
The cause of depression both in adults and children is not completely understood. However, it is assumed to be initiated by the brain chemicals released by our body. These chemicals are leaded when any of these events happen: lifestyle events which can generate stress such as transfer to a new home, ingestion of steroids and narcotics as a form of pain relief, death of a loved one, and hospitalization.
It is also believed that depression in children can be inherited. Moreover, the occurrence of another disease such as hypothyroidism can contribute to the onset of depression in children. Other mental problems such as eating disorder, ADHD, and anxiety can come in blend with depression. It is essential to have your child evaluated by a physician in order to know the right treatment.
Parents should anticipate depression in children by guiding their children’s proper growth in both the physical and mental aspects. There are much information of depression treatment provided by books and web pages. Those would help you and your children but visiting doctor or professional is still the best. For more information, please check out links on this Depression Treatment Clinic site.