Depression in children: how to recognize and what to do

Depression in children is a psychological disease, the causes of which lie in emotional disturbances. It is very difficult to identify signs of depression in children because they cannot always express their emotional experiences. A depressive state usually manifests itself in a hidden form, expressed through excessive anxiety, poor performance at school, unreasonable anxiety about health, or through conflicts with peers.

Depression in children - causes

Various reasons can lead to a child’s depression, such as improper upbringing, congenital or acquired pathologies, hormonal changes, frequent moving, and learning problems.

One of the common reasons is an unhealthy family environment. Frequent conflict situations in front of a child make him feel useless; he begins to think that his parents would be better off without him. If a child is raised in a single-parent family, the problem often arises from the inability to share his problems, for example, it is difficult for a daughter to tell her father about her personal experiences; this requires a mother.

Excessive parental care leads to the fact that children do not receive the necessary adaptation in society, they do not have the opportunity to study the world around them, and over time this leads to complete helplessness. In the absence of care from adults, the child is left to his own devices and understands that no one needs him.

The emotional state of teenage children is affected by hormonal changes in the body, in addition to them, a change in figure occurs, and skin problems appear. The hardest time in adolescence is for children who differ in their views and interests from their peers. They withdraw into themselves, withdraw from the outside world, which leads them to think that they are not like everyone else, that there is something wrong with them. Most children at this age become shy.

In schoolchildren, depression can occur due to poor studies, which leads to a lag in the school curriculum and alienates them from communication with peers. As a result, the child becomes mentally vulnerable.

Problems can also arise due to frequent moves, which leads to the fact that the child has no permanent friends and has no one to spend his free time with.

Modern technologies, in particular computers, are increasingly causing depression in children. It takes up most of the child’s time and replaces live communication with friends.

Severe emotional distress or chronic stress can also trigger depression.

There is also such a thing as autumn depression, which occurs due to disturbances in biochemical processes in the brain.

Childhood depression

The most vulnerable age for depression is adolescence.  Depression is usually accompanied by symptoms such as slow thinking, decreased mobility and low mood.

In the morning, the child is usually in an excellent mood, but gradually in the evening his mood deteriorates, his temperature may rise or he may have a headache. At this time, interest in everything disappears, and complaints begin about a problematic and difficult life, about misunderstanding by peers and teachers. Even in joyful and pleasant moments, children see only the negative. At the same time, there may be peaks of positive and joyful mood, but usually it lasts for a short time.

In a depressed state, children prefer to do nothing; they can simply sit or lie down; it is very difficult to attract them to active activities. Speech becomes quiet and thinking begins to slow down. Loss of appetite and insomnia can aggravate the condition.

If depression lasts more than a year, thoughts about leaving this life may arise in the child’s head. This is the most dangerous time, as something irreparable can happen.

Treatment of depression in a child

It is very difficult for children to get out of a depressed state on their own, so parents should notice the symptoms in a timely manner and seek help from specialists.

At the initial stage, the disease can be treated at home under the supervision of a psychiatrist. The child leads a normal lifestyle, but it is necessary to limit him as much as possible from stressful situations. At a later stage, hospital treatment is required, which is accompanied by the use of antidepressants.

But for drug treatment to be effective, it is necessary to create a positive environment in the family and establish trusting relationships. Adults should try to accept the child’s feelings and experiences and help them believe in themselves. During treatment, children need to spend more time outside, not be overtired, and get proper rest.