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 adolescents and adults. After all, what is there for a young child to be depressed about? While children occasionally have the “blues” and “down” moods, these are often considered 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 battling depression. The data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that child depression is a prevalent psychological health issue in 2.1 percent of American children aged 3 to 17.
Sadly, the condition 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 Child Depression
Depression is more difficult to detect in children than adults because children have different ways of expressing their sadness. As a parent, you may think your child is simply misbehaving or going through a phase. There are, however, telltale symptoms of child depression to guide you in determining what you can do to help your depressed child. In addition to a feeling of hopelessness and mood changes, other symptoms include the following:
- Psychosomatic complaints
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in eating and sleeping pattern
- Lack of concentration
- Lethargy
- Low self-worth
- Guilt
- Increased sensitivity to rejection
- Angry vocal outbursts or crying spells
- Self-harming behavior
The symptoms of child 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 barely interacting with family and peers.
Possible Causes of Child Depression
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 vulnerability. Children with a history of emotional issues 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 the 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 the pattern and 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. Although children rarely wish to hurt themselves or end their lives due to child depression, it is a possibility that parents can prevent by providing much-needed support, care, and love. More than all of these, however, your child needs professional help.
Restoring the Happy Childhood Your Child Deserves
If you are convinced your child has depression, you will want to get the most effective help for him or her. The treatment should be provided by experts, and you want the best place where your child can feel safe and comfortable while recovering. Your role in your child’s treatment is important, not only in choosing where to go for help, but also in reinforcing and supporting the treatment.
You can’t go wrong when you choose Carolina Counseling Services — Pittsboro, NC, to be your child’s refuge in rediscovering the pleasures and joys of childhood. One of the independently contracted counselors may be the right-fit therapist who can help your child with counseling to resolve behavior issues impacted by childhood depression. By seeking help early, you can help your child enjoy the vibrancy of his or her youth.
Childhood is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. You don’t want your child to miss it. Call CCS — Pittsboro, NC, now to help your child cope with depression and return to a happy childhood.