When talking about depression, the way it affects a person’s life, and the various methods for dealing with it, most people make a connection between this mental disorder and adults. While there are approximately 15 million adults living in the United States who have one type of depression or another, the latest statistics also show close to 2.5% of children in America suffer from this disorder and just over 8% of teenagers have depression.
Special Considerations for Children
Unlike depression in adults where women are twice as likely to develop the condition as men are, in children, the rate of occurrence is pretty much equal for both genders. According to experts, depression in children is most often hereditary but sadly, as years pass, studies show the age at which a child develops depression is becoming younger and younger. There is one major common denominator between adults and children in that dealing with depression must be done in an appropriate manner based on the type and severity of the condition.
Obviously, there are significant differences in how depression would be handled in adults versus children. For instance, an adult could sit down with a psychotherapist to discuss a particular situation and have the ability to follow instructions for change whereby a child would not have this luxury. Even medication used for treating depression in adults would not necessarily be the same when dealing with depression in children or at least not at the same dose.
Dealing with depression in younger children can be challenging but for the parents, it is a time of uncertainty, fear, and an array of other emotions. Therefore, we felt it would be helpful to show parents that viable means for dealing with depression exist. However, the goal is for the child to have a firm diagnosis, after which time a series of treatment options would be recommended, discussed, and then an appropriate one chosen.
Recognizing a Problem
Unfortunately, because many adults are unaware that depression affects small children and teenagers, when things seem amiss, the possibility of a child having this mental disorder is often overlooked. As a result, an already struggling child faces even greater challenges. On a positive note, by learning the signs of depression, parents can take the appropriate steps quickly so that child is provided the relief needed. Below are some of the more common signs that a child could be dealing with depression.
- Sadness, seldom laughing
- Frustration
- Temper tantrums
- Appetite change
- Sleep difficulties
- Frequent crying for no reason
- No desire to be hugged, kissed, or cuddled
- If in school, trying to avoid going, no longer participating in activities, and decline of grades
- Isolation and little interest in friends
If one or more of these symptoms of childhood depression are noted, the child should first be seen by a trusted doctor. Keep in mind that there are certain health issues that could trigger depression in a child so by getting the child’s medical history, finding out about any recent changes in health, and running a number of tests, any specific underlying cause that would require a different type of treatment could be ruled in or ruled out.
Causes of Depression
Before a treatment would be determined for dealing with depression in a child, it would be essential to understand the cause. If a child had been seen by a doctor and the cause was not health-related, parents would need to start considering other possibilities. Remember, children are affected by divorce, death, major illness, and trauma just as adults are so if a child had faced any such situation, this would likely be the source. If not, parents would need to investigate so the underlying cause could be identified.
Additional causes of depression in children include the following:
- Mental, emotional, or even sexual abuse
- Bullying
- Recent move to a new neighborhood, city, or state or a close friend that moved away
- Conflict with a friend or family member
- Mental Illness
- Certain prescription medications
- Alcohol and/or drug abuse
Treatment Options
Once a health issue is ruled out and the cause determined, dealing with depression would be easier. Keep in mind that there are occasions when a child would need a more aggressive treatment plan, most respond favorably with any of the following treatments.
- Professional Counseling – Having the opportunity for a child to sit down with a trained psychologist or psychotherapist could clear up many issues the child is facing. In addition to the child being provided counseling, more than likely some type of family counseling would be recommended. Of course, the best counseling in the world would be ineffective if change were not a part of the solution.
- Medication – Depending on the child’s type of depression and level of severity, as well as age and any existing health issues, prescription medication might be suggested. At a small dose, children can be prescribed Zoloft or Prozac but only if under the careful eye of a qualified doctor.
- Alternative Treatments – Certain supplements would also be a possibility but in children, plants, herbs, and essential oils, along with vitamins and minerals can be harsh on a small child’s system so only supplements approved by the doctor should be considered.
- Lifestyle – Numerous studies have been performed to see if change of lifestyle works when dealing with depression and they all show significant improvement. This would include getting a child involved with some kind of sport or activity, offering options for hobbies, getting daily exercise, adopting healthy eating habits, setting a scheduled bedtime, and so on.
- Support – The last option for dealing with depression in children we wanted to mention is the value of support. In most cases, a child who is provided with strong family support, as well as support at school and from friends, pulls out of a period of depression quicker and easier than a child without support.