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All children "feel blue", from time to time, have a bad day, or
are sad. However, when these feelings persist and begin to
interfere with a child�s ability to function in daily life,
clinical depression could be the cause. Depression is not a
personal weakness, a character flaw, or a mood that one can "snap
out of". It is a serious mental health problem that affects people
of all ages, including children. In fact, depression affects as
many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents
according to the federal Center for Mental Health Services.
No one thing causes depression. Children who develop depression
may have a family history of the disorder. Family history,
stressful life events such as losing a parent, divorce, or
discrimination, and other physical or psychological problems are
all factors that contribute to the onset of the disorder. Children
who experience abuse, neglect, or other trauma or who have a
chronic illness are at a higher risk for depression. Depression in
children often occurs along with other mental health problems such
as anxiety, bipolar or disruptive behavior disorders. Adolescents
who become clinically depressed are also at a higher risk for
substance abuse problems.
Depression can lead to academic underachievement, social
isolation, and create difficult relationships with family and
friends. Depression in children is also associated with an
increased risk for suicide. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General
estimates that more than 90 percent of children and adolescents who
take their lives have a mental health disorder such as depression.
The rate of suicide among young people has nearly tripled since
1960.
Once a young person has experienced an episode of depression, he
or she is at an increased risk for having another episode of
depression within the next five years. Children who experience a
depressive episode are five times more likely to have depression as
an adult.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
The list below outlines possible signs of depression. If your
child or one you know is struggling with any combination of these
symptoms for more than two weeks, talk with a doctor or mental
health professional.
- Frequent sadness, tearfulness, or crying.
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Withdrawal from friends and activities.
- Lack of enthusiasm or motivation
- Decreased energy level.
- Major changes in eating or sleeping habits.
- Increased irritability, agitation, anger or hostility.
- Frequent physical complaints such as headaches and
stomachaches.
- Indecision or inability to concentrate.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
- Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure.
- Pattern of dark images in drawings or paintings.
- Play that involves excessive aggression directed toward oneself
or others, or involves persistently sad themes.
- Recurring thoughts or talk of death, suicide, or
self-destructive behavior.
Many teens with depression abuse alcohol and drugs as a way to
numb or manage their pain. Any child or adolescent who abuses
substances should be evaluated for depression. If an addiction
develops, it is essential to treat both the mental health disorder
and the substance abuse problem at the same time.
What Should Parents and Caregivers
Do?
Depression is treatable. Early identification, diagnosis, and
treatment help children reach their full potential. Children who
show signs of depression should be referred to and evaluated by a
mental health professional who specializes in treating children.
The evaluation may include consultation with a child psychiatrist,
psychological testing, and medical tests to rule out an underlying
physical condition that might explain the child�s symptoms. A
comprehensive treatment plan should include psychotherapy and, in
some cases, medication. This plan should be developed with the
family, and, whenever possible, the child should be involved in
making treatment decisions.
Children�s mental health matters! To learn more or talk to a
doctor or mental health professional, contact your local Mental
Health Association or access the resources below:
National Mental Health
Association, 800-969-NMHA
American Academy of
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Psychiatric
Association, 888-357-7924
American Psychological
Association, 800-964-2000
Child and Adolescent
Bipolar Foundation, 847-256-8525,
Federation of Families
for Children�s Mental Health, 703-684-7710,
Knowledge
Exchange Network, 800-789-2647,
National Association of
School Psychologists, 301-657-0270,
Depression and Bipolar
Support Alliance, 800-826-3632,
Children�s Mental Health Matters is an initiative of the
National Mental Health Association�s Campaign for America�s Mental
Health. This nationwide public education campaign is supported by a
coalition of national organizations and state and local Mental
Health Associations and their partners. Through this program, NMHA,
its affiliates and partners offer educational materials for
children and their families on a variety of topics including
anxiety disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder,
bipolar disorder and childhood depression, and mental wellness.
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