Depression in children: how to recognize and what to do

Depression in children is a psychological disorder, the causes of which lie in emotional disturbances. It is very difficult to identify signs of depression in children, as they are not always able to express their emotional experiences. A depressive state is manifested, usually in a latent form, expressed through excessive anxiety, poor school performance, unreasonable concern for the state of 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.

An unhealthy family environment is one of the common reasons. Frequent conflict situations in front of the child cause feelings of uselessness in him, he begins to think that without him the parents would be better off. If a child is brought up in an incomplete family, the problem often arises due to the inability to share their problems, for example, it is difficult for a daughter to tell her father about her personal experiences, for this she needs a mother.

Excessive parental guardianship 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 themselves, over time this leads to complete helplessness. In the absence of care from adults, the child is left to himself and understands that no one needs him.

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

In schoolchildren, depression can arise from poor academic performance, which leads to lagging behind the school curriculum and removes them from communication with peers. As a result, the child becomes mentally vulnerable.

Problems can also arise due to frequent travel, which leads to the fact that the child does not have permanent friends, he has no one to spend his free time with.

Increasingly, the cause of depression in children is modern technology, in particular the computer. 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 violations of biochemical processes in the brain.

Depression in children

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

In the morning, the child is usually in an excellent location, gradually towards the evening his mood deteriorates, a temperature may rise or a headache may develop. 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 only see 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 not to do anything, they can just sit or lie down, it is very difficult for them to engage in active activities. Speech becomes quiet, and they begin to think in slow motion. Loss of appetite and insomnia can aggravate the condition.

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

Treatment of depression in a child

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

Initially, the disease can be treated at home under the supervision of a psychiatrist. The child leads a normal life, while it is necessary to limit him as much as possible from stressful situations. At a later stage, inpatient treatment is necessary, which is accompanied by the intake of antidepressants.

But for drug treatment to be effective, it is necessary to create a positive environment in the family and build trust. Adults should try to accept the feelings and experiences of the child, help to believe in themselves. During treatment, children need to spend more time outdoors, not overwork and have a good rest.