Child Depression: The Journey Toward a Happy Childhood
Many people are inclined to believe that childhood is a carefree and trouble-free period, and that depression is only for adults. After all, what is there for a young child to be depressed about? While children occasionally may seem sad, this is often considered to be a normal part of growing up.
What parents and other adults may not know is that sadness, irritability, and other disruptive behavior could be red flags that a child is experiencing symptoms of depression. Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that childhood depression is a prevalent psychological health issue experienced by 2.1 percent of American children aged 3 to 17.
Sadly, depression often goes unnoticed and untreated, as many parents wait for their children to snap out of or outgrow their sadness. In many cases, undiagnosed and untreated depression may persist into adulthood, with the child experiencing more frequent and severe episodes through the years.
The Identifiable Symptoms of Childhood Depression
Depression is more difficult to detect in children than adults because children often have different ways of expressing their feelings. As a parent, you may think your child is simply misbehaving or going through a phase. There are, however, telltale symptoms of childhood depression to look out for. This can help you to decide what you can do to help your depressed child. In addition to a feeling of hopelessness and mood changes, other symptoms may include:
- Psychosomatic complaints
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in eating and sleeping pattern
- Lack of concentration
- Lethargy
- Low self-worth
- Excessive guilt
- Increased sensitivity to rejection
- Angry vocal outbursts or crying spells
- Self-harming behavior
The symptoms of depression vary from one child to another, at different times and in different settings. Young children with depression may lack the vocabulary or emotional savvy to express their difficult feelings, causing them to exhibit temperamental or reactive behavior. The sudden change in appearance and conduct may alarm you when your once active, happy child is no longer enjoying things and/or is barely interacting with family and peers.
Possible Causes of Depression in Children
Depression in children is a serious emotional condition that can develop due to any combination of factors relating to family history, physical health, circumstances, environment, biochemical disturbance and genetic predisposition. Children with a history of behavioral health concerns that run in the family, or who have experienced abuse or neglect, are at a greater risk for depression.
Life circumstances, such as relocation, death, or divorce in the family, are also risk factors for depression. Children who are biologically sensitive because of their genetics are more susceptible, especially when experiencing negative, stressful triggers, such as bullying. Chronic illnesses and other emotional health issues, including anxiety and ADHD, can also contribute to a child’s depressive behavior.
When to Take Action
Like other parents, you may be reluctant to attribute your child’s mysterious behavior to depression. Before completely dismissing it as “growing pains,” consider the duration and severity of their symptoms. How long have the symptoms been going on and how do they impair your child? While it is normal for children to have random tantrums, you have to look at patterns and the frequency of your child’s outbursts to determine if something more serious needs to be addressed.
The impulsive nature of children, especially those with depression, can predispose them to engage in self-harming activities. Depression is serious; however, it is treatable. Counseling can help.
Treating Childhood Depression
If you are concerned that your child may have depression, you will likely want to get the most effective help for them. The treatment should be provided by experts, and you want a place where your child can feel safe and comfortable. Your role in your child’s treatment is important, not only in choosing where to go for help, but also in reinforcing and supporting change.
You can’t go wrong when you choose Carolina Counseling Services — Pittsboro, NC, to address your child’s depressive symptoms. CCS contracts with licensed, caring therapists who know how to treat childhood depression. By seeking help early, you can help your child recover and move forward.
Childhood is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. You don’t want your child to miss it. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.