Depression in Children: A Likely Occurrence
If you think that depression only occurs in adults, then you are wrong. Depression in children can also take place and can merely take the joy out of a child's life. Children can become depressed after the loss of a significant other or even a loss of a pet. Depression in children can also occur after hospitalization or after an illness.
About 3 out of every 100 children suffer from depression. It is difficult to tell if your child suffers from this disorder because children are normally moody. Also, the symptoms of depression in children are different from adults making it even harder to be diagnosed by experts. So if you think that your child may be showing signs of depression which lasts form weeks to months, then it is better to tell your doctor about it.
The Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Children
The principal symptoms of depression in children include: despair, sadness, and mood changes. They are often masked off by angry behavior or by an extremely low mood. Although 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 signs typical to depression in children consist of: changes in eating and sleeping patterns, continuous unexplained crying and whining, poor concentration in school and in family affairs, social withdrawal, and feelings of guilt. If any of these symptoms can be repeatedly observed in your children, it would be a wise step to have them seen by a health professional.
The Causes of Depression in Children
The cause of depression both in adults and children is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be initiated by the brain chemicals released by our body. These chemicals are triggered when any of these events take place: ingestion of steroids and narcotics as a form of pain relief, lifestyle events which can generate stress such as transfer to a new home, death of a loved one, and hospitalization.
It is also assumed that depression in children can be inherited. Also, the occurrence of another disease such as hypothyroidism can contribute to the onset of depression in children. Other mental problems such as ADHD, eating disorder and anxiety can come in combination with depression. It is important to have your child evaluated by a physician in order to know the right treatment.
Parents are expected to guide their children's proper growth in both the mental and physical aspects. The treatments you read in books and web pages are given to guide you accordingly and not intended to replace the advice of doctors.
