Knowhow-Now Article

Understanding Childhood Depression

Childhood depression is on the rise in America and other developed countries. It is estimated that as many as one in thirty children will experience depression at some point, and all indications are that this number is rising. The reasons for this rise in childhood depression are not fully understood, but if you believe that your child is suffering from a depressive disorder then help is available.

Spotting The Symptoms of Childhood Depression

Tip: Look for support wherever you are able. It's particularly helpful to seek out others who've had success in handling their encounters with depression.

The earlier depression is diagnosed, the more easily it can be treated. If a family member has died or your child has fallen out with their best friend, then it can be perfectly natural for them to seem very down for a while. But if the sadness carries on for several weeks and they are displaying any of additional symptoms below, then it could be worth consulting your family doctor.

Signs of childhood depression include:

Tip: Do not use the words "depression" or "depressed" in your vocabulary. Although useful in the clinical world, these words often work against you with a self-fulfilling prophesy, or otherwise just bring you down.

* A sustained low mood
* Crying with no or little cause
* Over or under eating
* Sleeping a lot or insomnia
* Irritability or aggression
* Avoiding previously enjoyed activities
* Social withdrawal
* School work suffering
* Recurrent headaches or stomach pains
* Talks of death
* Suicidal thoughts

Tip: If you live by yourself, try decorating it in a style that is upbeat and makes you happy. This type of environment may help to eliminate those negative feelings and induce happier feelings.

Symptoms of depression can vary from child to child, but social withdrawal and suffering school work are common to virtually all affected children. Parents who suspect that their teen is depressed should also be vigilant for alcohol or drug abuse. Depression raises the risk of children indulging in risky behaviors by more than half.

Understanding The Causes Of Childhood Depression

Tip: Take your anti-depressant medication the same time day after day, it is best to take them in the morning. If you get into a habit of taking your medicine, you are less likely to forget about it.

It is important to emphasize that any child can develop depression, and it is not a sign of parental failure. But there are home life factors that can raise the risk of a child developing mental health problems. For example, child abuse, domestic abuse between parents or an alcoholic parent can all raise the risk of childhood depression.

Tip: If your mood is nearing negative, make sure you eat three meals each day. Loss of appetite is a common symptom of depression, but the less energy you have, the worse your depression will become.

There is also a strong genetic component to the illness. Numerous studies have shown that children from families with a history of mental illness are much more susceptible to depression themselves. In younger children, depression is far more common among boys.During the teenage years, it is girls who are more prone to mood disorders.

Treating Childhood Depression

Tip: Not having a job can really make a person feel depressed. If you suddenly become unemployed, look at it as an opportunity to find a better position; however, loss of income can sometimes feel devastating.

Doctors will normally avoid prescribing antidepressants to children as an initial course of action, unless there is considered to be a high risk of suicide. Bi-polar disorder will also require mood stabilizing drugs. But counselling is a far more common solution for childhood depression, especially if the depression has a trigger based in life events.

Tip: Perhaps you should seek professional counseling. Therapy in combination with medication is thought to be the best method for treating depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has also been shown to be effective in treating childhood depression. When a person has depression, their thought patterns become faulty. The brain can be re-trained to address this and develop healthier thought patterns again.

Tip: Your body requires adequate sleep. Sleep is necessary for your physical and mental health.

If counseling or CBT fails, then a prescription for medication may be given. Prozac is licensed for use in children between the ages of 8 and 18 years of age.

Childhood depression is treatable. Healthcare professionals can give families advice on helping a depressed child.

Comments
Order by: 
Per page:
 
  • There are no comments yet
   Comment Record a video comment
 
 
 
     
Related Articles
ASD is not just about neurological abnormalities and genetic aberrations – it goes far beyond the spectrum of disorders because it is a concern that brings with it a myriad of issues ranging from physical to emotional to psychological
28.06.2016 · From TheAuthor
People diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder may need medications to help manage their condition especially those manifesting irritability, hyperactivity, or tantrums. Choices about medication depend on the child’s specific needs including factors like side effects.
28.06.2016 · From TheAuthor
When we think of health and fitness often we have a distant sense of dread - healthy seems to equal giving up what we enjoy. Heart health does not have to be this way. Here are 10 tips to keep your heart healthy.
10.05.2016 · From TheAuthor
A man requires an anti aging cream to have well moisturized and nourished skin to fight wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging. This article looks at the most important considerations when buying men's anti aging skin care.
03.05.2016 · From TheAuthor
If you are interested in buying anti aging products, make sure to understand the four essential tips in buying anti aging for men products first. Check out our four top secrets to buying the best anti aging products for men.
03.05.2016 · From TheAuthor
Ads
Article Info
617 Views
0 Subscribers
All Articles by MikeHirst
Sharing Is Good!
Rate
0 votes