Childhood Depression by Sharon Tappenden

Childhood Depression Just like adults, children too can suffer from the affects of depression It’s not uncommon and since children are generally not exposed to the stessors and strains of adult life, it may be safe to say if a child actually tells you that they are feeling depressed - then it should be regarded as a serious issue.

Some people would ask: "what on earth do children have to be depressed about?" Some misunderstandings become apparent. Misunderstandings about childhood depression generally and what it is.

It is in fact fairly similar to clinical depression - using medical terminology, and is not just down moods because they have just been punished or are sulking because they have been told they can’t have something. It is actually more intrusive in the child’s life It may be long-lasting and if not addressed may even become life threatening.

Here are some Causes of Childhood Depression:

1. A previous Family History of Mental illness or suicide. 2. Childhood Abuse (which may be either physical, emotional or sexual) 3. Prolonged Chronic illness. 4. The traumatic loss of a parent at an early age to either death, divorce or abandonment by the parent. 5. A poor diet and severe lack of sufficient exercise. 6. Many experiences of negative factors such as parents arguing, family disputes, bad neighborhoods, gangs etc 7. A lack of sufficient parental attention.

This is not a complete list of the causes of depression in children by any means, but they are the most common ones.

Here are some Symptoms of Childhood Depression:
1. Loss of interest by the child, in hobbies and activities 2. Abrupt change in Appetite or non interest in food 3. Change in normal sleeping patterns (either increase or decrease). 4. The child may have difficulty concentrating. 5. Making low self-esteem comments like “I’m not good enough, I’m just stupid…” 6. Recurring and persistent state of Sadness. 7. Recurring thoughts of Suicide 8. Excessive clinging to a parent or signs of substantial withdrawal

If you notice any of these symptoms on a daily basis in your child’s behaviour it may be a good time to seek help. Although the first step may be a good heart to heart talk with your child to try to find out if there is some underlying problem like "I thought you didn't care, because you never ask". In this case it is easy to imagine how that could happen due to our busy lifestyles.

Try to reconnect with your child. Make some plans for a getaway saying things like “How about you and I go to the pool or maybe to the park, just the two of us eh?”. Then use this time wisely to carefully see if there are any further problems, or if they want to elaborate on anything already mentioned.

It is important to try to devote thirty minutes or more a day for open air recreation for yourself and your family. Visits to the zoo are extremely popular, or active play such as sports in the park, and swimming will all tend to relieve any tension created in the home, or at school, and at work. This may go a long way in assisting in curing childhood depression in the family, and is a bonus for all concerned.Click here for more information on Panic Attacks, Anxiety and Depression
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