Toddlers and depression
Date :
Thursday, January 21 2010
Source:
Autourina Mains
It is not easy to think a care free toddler could experience depression. However, depression in toddlers is a reality. Since toddlers have not yet mastered language and communication skills, depression is manifested through behavior which can be mistaken for “terrible twos”. However, signs and symptoms of depression make a clear distinction between terrible twos and childhood depression. Sometimes the cause of depression is genetic (like bipolar disorder) and other times it may be due to the quality of care and the environment. There may be other factors causing a toddler to feel depressed for instance if toddler’s primary care provider is depressed, or if the toddler is being abused, or has experienced death of a parent.
Never diagnose depression because it is extremely important to have licensed professionals diagnose and treat depression. Nonetheless, it is vital to be aware of the reality of toddler depression and be able to recognize signs and symptoms so that early intervention can be sought. Always consult your pediatrician regarding your toddler’s mental and emotional health.
Depression has different signs from typical toddler moodiness and they may include:
- Trouble eating, sleeping
- Be vey irritable
- Clingy but unresponsive to comforting
- Development may slow down (may forget being toilet trained)
- Toddler seems sad while playing
- Play death-themed games
- Throw especially violent tantrums
- Become obsessively guilty over minor mistakes
- Anger and rage
- Hyperactivity
- Destructive behavior
- Mood swings
What can you do to help prevent depression in your toddler? The most important preventive measure is to provide quality care in a nurturing environment with loving adults. A toddler that does not receive loving care and does not have the opportunity to play and explore his world is more apt to experience depression. Always keep in mind that what the adult feels can manifest in the child. When the adult is stressed the child may feel the stress because the adult manifests stress in behavior towards the child.
When mom and dad are unemployed and worried about providing for the family, then Maslow’s theory of hierarchy kicks in and parent’s first priority is to provide the basic necessities of food and shelter rather than providing a loving, nurturing environment. That does not mean they don’t love their child, on the contrary it means they are worried about providing for their child. The same theory is true when a care provider is struggling to provide for her/his family. If your child’s care provider is experiencing financial difficulties or personal difficulties, the quality of care that provider can offer is going to be affected. As adults we have to be able to recognize where we are emotionally and what we are experiencing in order to protect our children.
Life is life and stressful events are a natural part of our being, but what I try to do is to recognize when I am stressed which affects how I treat others, especially the little ones in my care. Children’s carefree spirit helps me put life in perspective and realize there will always be stresses in life, but when I am with my little ones I can try to be as carefree as they are and enjoy coloring, playing in the water, or building. Playing with the little ones is actually relaxing and therapeutic. My little ones help me relax and distress which opens my mind to new and creative solutions. When we are relaxed, our little ones are relaxed so take time to enjoy your little ones.
If the toddler has clinical or genetic depression, professional intervention should be sought. Never diagnose a child with depression. Treatment typically includes family and child therapy, parental education, and individual play therapy with the child.