Updated: Jan 18, 2019
Children and adolescents can experience depression. It is not rare; it is very common in this generation. Children are truly innocent and pure, therefore when a child is depressed it should be looked at as a major issue.
A frequent misconception regarding childhood depression is that children have nothing to be depressed about. Possibly this view disclose a few misinterpretations regarding childhood depression and what childhood depression is. It is certainly akin to clinical depression. Childhood depression is not only downward feelings resultant from youth being ‘depressed’ because they have recently gotten scold or told no. However, childhood depression is more intrusive into a child’s very existence. The effect can be long-term. When depression is not dealt with it could be hazardous to a child’s development.
Another mistaken belief is that childhood is a happy-go-lucky, uncomplicated period of life. This is not always the case. The pressures of peer approval, educational and family expectations are sufficient enough to make youth worry and may be a vast dynamic to be measured in regards to handling a case of childhood depression.
Other Causes of Childhood Depression:
Family History of Mental illness or suicide.
Abuse (physical, emotional or sexual)
Chronic illnesses.
Loss of a parent at an early age to death, divorce or abandonment.
Improper diet and lack of sufficient exercise.
Excessive exposure to negative factors such as parents arguing, bad neighborhoods etc
Insufficient parental attention.
Negative interactions with other kids at school or in neighborhood
Although this is not a definite list of the causes of childhood depression, possibly these factors are the most universal ones.
Warning signs of Childhood Depression:
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Sudden change in the desire for food
Change in sleep patterns (increase or decrease)
Having trouble focusing
Saying downgrading statements such as “I hate myself”
Constant unhappiness.
Frequent thoughts of suicide
Extreme closeness or withdrawal
Once you become aware of any of these behaviors in your child it is perhaps time to ask for assistance. The first approach can be an open conversation with your child. Reconnect with your child. Put together a parent-child outing just for the two of you. Utilize this time to cautiously make-out what may be the issue.
Children and teens are great imitators. You have to be aware of who they are surrounding themselves with. Get to know their friends and friend’s parents. If you yourself are depressed or just down in the dumps, I suggest non medical options such as exercise and proper nutrition. Furthermore, try fasting, even though it is a brief moment it can produce miracles for repairing your emotional stability. This tactic will allow your mind to clear and all of the moodiness disappears and as a result and you are likely to find the solutions to the troubles meriting treatment for your depression. Take into account that this fundamental stride is appropriate for adults not necessarily for children.
Dedicate time for activity for yourself and your family unit. Trips to the park and active time have a tendency to ease pressures produced at home, school, and work. These activities can help with treating childhood depression. Try your best to be up-beat and positive because children imitate their parents.
As a spiritual preference, try prayer. Introduce your child to it. It is stated: “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.” I believe a child connecting with God is a way of avoiding childhood depression. (Certainly along with the factors stated earlier.)
Being a parent and role model to your children is a responsibility that can be charging from time to time, especially when dealing with a child that is depressed. However, the given suggestions when approached correctly, childhood depression does not have be a matter your child endures.