Types of Depression
II
Depression in Women
II Depression in Men
II
Childhood Depression
II
Adolescent Depression
II
Depression in the Elderly
II
Clinical Depression
II
Major Depression
II
Dysthymia II
Atypical Depression
II
Bipolar Depression
II
Cyclothymia II
Seasonal Affective Disorder
II
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
II
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
(PMDD)
II
Holiday Depression II
Workplace Depression.
Childhood Depression; When Depression
Affects the Child.
If you child is not performing well in school, it may be a sign he
or she is suffering with childhood depression. Children who act
out at school or home are often attempting to mask their child
depression. They may not even realize they are suffering from
child depression, which is one of the leading causes of poor
school performance in children.
Parents and teachers are not always aware of the fact a young
person is experiencing childhood depression because they may seem
to be the star of what appears like an idyllic childhood. But even
if your child does not always seem down, it’s important to
recognize other signs of childhood depression.
When diagnosing childhood depression, experts look for signs such
as a change in appetite, disinterest in hobbies and activities
that used to bring the child happiness. You may notice your child
spends most of his or her time alone, which may make you wonder if
he or she has childhood depression.
While more than 5 percent of children suffer from child
depression, a greater percentage of people dealing with eating
disorders, anxiety or death in the family struggle with child
depression. If your child is under stress or if he or she has
relatives with depression, your child is at higher risk for
childhood depression.
Experts say as many as one in eight adolescents and one in every
33 children suffer with child depression. Also, nearly one-third
of 6- to 12-year-old children diagnosed with major depression
develop bipolar disorder within a few years, according to
research.
Like adults, a child who is suffering with depression may abuse
alcohol, drugs or becoming sexually involved as a way of
self-medicating the pain. However, a child with depression has
behavior that is distinct.
A child with depression may withdraw from family or friends. A
child who is dealing with depression may be preoccupied with
death, write poetry about depression, listen to music about the
dark side or focus on morbid matters. Childhood depression is also
associated with aggressive behaviors such as hitting and fighting.
A child dealing with depression may skip school, lie about where
he or she has been or break the law.
If you think your son or daughter has signs of childhood
depression, become more involved at his or her school especially
if you notice grades slipping. Childhood depression is linked to
learning problems, phobias, panic disorder as well as suicide.
Depending how old your child is, you will see childhood depression
manifested in different ways. If you child is young he or she may
not be able to articulate or identify feelings of depression.
However, you may notice your child complains of having frequent
stomach aches, headaches, cramps or fatigue. If your child is ages
3 through 5, he or she may seem sad, timid, shy, moody, and
irritable or have a detached, disinterested attitude.
If your child is suffering with depression, you may notice he or
she is prone to accidents, injuries and likes taking risks. Some
people with childhood depression are involved in self-injury such
as head banging or cutting. Childhood depression may appear as
hyper or sedate depending on the child. A child who is older is
more likely to show emotional signs of depression.
Finally, if you have a child who is a teenager, you may notice
their depression seems to center on whether or not they are
accepted by peers, admired or loved by their family. They may have
trouble falling asleep if they suffer with child depression. Even
if you tell them you love them, a child who is experiencing severe
depression may not feel loved, attractive or worthy.
The good news is child depression is a treatable illness that does
not have to interfere with the ability of a child to function in
their daily life.
It’s important to diagnose and treat childhood depression as soon
as possible due to the increased risk of suicide.
Communicate with your child. Ask your child dealing with
depression how he or she is feeling. If you ask your child if he
or she is sad, you might find out they are troubled and suffering
with childhood depression which is just as serious as adult
depression.
If you hear your child say he or she would rather be dead, take
that as a cry for help and seek professional help.
