Your child and depression

Date : Thursday, January 21 2010
Source: Autourina Mains

We are so excited when our children begin school.  What a wonderful gift education truly is.  Having a child struggle with depression is not easy, but one that is a reality at times.  We might wonder what do children have to be depressed about? They have an easy, happy-go-lucky life without worries, but the reality of it is that children are under more pressure today than years gone by.  They seem to have a fuller schedule, more pressure to succeed in school and sports, thus they are more stressed.  I must mention that some cases of depression may be genetic and inherited (bipolar for example).  We all go through mood swings, but signs of depression that persist and disrupt school work, daily life activities, social activities, interests, and family life should to be taken seriously.

Possible signs of depression include:

• Social withdrawn
• changes in sleep pattern, and appetite
• Lack of interest in social activities and hobbies, extracurricular activities and play
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anger and behavioral outbursts
• Increased sensitivity to rejection
• Inability to function in school
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Impaired concentration and thinking
• Thoughts of death

When these symptoms persist over time, seek professional help.  NEVER diagnose depression because it is a medical condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment.  You would never diagnose strep throat or cancer, so never attempt to diagnose depression either.   Be supportive of your child and provide a caring, loving environment.  Listen to your child and spend time relaxing and having family time.  It is important for the child to build loving, supportive relationships at home, school, and the child care.

Bullying has also raised some concerns over that past few years.  Many children who are bullied exhibit signs of depression, so listen to your child when he or she is repeatedly complaining about being picked on.  Intervene by communicating with school officials and reviewing school policies against bullying.  Children going to school is equivalent to adults going to work and just as adults would not feel comfortable working in a negative environment, children don’t like being in a negative environment either.

Depression is treatable and oftentimes treatment includes child and family therapy and occasionally medication is prescribed.