Depression In Children
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Depression in children is often misunderstood and often incorrectly diagnosed because so little is still known about how the brain and emotions interact. Though behavioral sciences have come a long way, most doctors who are treating depression in children are basing care upon what the parent and child report as opposed to a lab test where most other types of illnesses can be confirmed with facts. Depressive states are diagnosed, mostly, based on educated guess work. And, while it is far from perfect, it is constantly improving as more is learned and more experimenting proves effective. To begin the journey of understanding what happens in the mind of a child that leads to depressive episodes, one must understand that there are several factors at play. Getting the right information from medically published sources and from trusted doctors can help equip those who have had an emotionally troubled childhood or those who have an emotionally troubled child get the help and support needed. This article is based on current research available, but is limited in scope. Those seeking help are encouraged to look further and to discuss all options with a doctor who is specialized in the psychiatric care of children.
The journey of discovering the truth about childhood emotional disturbances should begin with understanding that the word depression is used to describe several different emotional states that can vary in degrees of severity. Every person has an occasional blue mood or sense of feeling down. These episodes can be triggered by circumstances, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances. While this can be a form of depression in children, it is rarely chronic or life threatening. Clinical depressive states are another matter. When a child is clinically depressed, he or she will suffer severe personality changes and find the simple things in life hard to deal with. All levels of depression may need to be treated, some for a short term and others for longer periods of time. Treating depression in children is not an easy task, as children grow, brains develop and hormones change, making it difficult to pinpoint one medication or a combination of medications that can be effective for the long term.
The mildest forms of depression can be initiated by circumstances in life. A child who may not be prone to feeling blue could experience many different levels of depression when there is a traumatic death in the family. Treating depression in children who have lost a parent or significant loved one will depend upon how long the child exhibits behavioral problems. If there is a family history of mental health issues, a traumatic situation can often trigger a severe depressed mood that is prolonged for a period of time. The treatment and care will depend upon each individual child and his or her family history.
When a child is clinically depressed, he or she is at risk for many other factors. When there are prolonged episodes of lethargy, loss of interest in activities, and severe anger, depression in children can lead to drug abuse, risky behaviors, and even suicide attempts. Parents and care takers of children that are suspect of being clinically depressed should seek intervention right away. Most treatment plans will include both medications and counseling in an attempt to not only address the physiological state, but also the emotional state, as well. Professional counseling can also help equip a child with the tools needed to develop better coping skills. Some behaviors are thought to be learned from parents and others are thought to be inherited. It is difficult to know with certainty, but when depression is prominent in a family history, the chances of children struggling with this illness are likely. Treating depression in children can include altering some family lifestyles that are prone to stress or instability.
Dealing with depression can be hard on the entire family. Parents can become confused and experience their own feelings of hopelessness as they watch a child suffer and struggle to enjoy life. Prayer is the only sure answer to these types of problems. Prayer not only brings God's help and perspective into the situation, but prayer also relieves burdens. "Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me: it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from they presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there." (Psalm 139:5-8)
There are other signs that can indicate that a child is struggling with some level of depressed moods. Depression in children can be manifested in several ways including loss of appetite, headaches or stomach problems, an increase of sleep or a inability to sleep, difficulty concentrating with grades falling, and low self esteem. Some of these symptoms are also associated with other illnesses, so a complete examination should be called for. Most importantly, don't delay. Thoughts of suicide or self inflicted harm can result with untreated or unaddressed depressed states.
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