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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.
Untreated, depression can lead to academic underachievement, social
isolation, and create difficult relationships with family and friends.
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.
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.
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 Causes Depression?
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 disorder or disruptive behavior disorders.
Adolescents who become clinically depressed are also at a higher risk
for substance abuse problems.
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.
To learn more or talk to a doctor or mental health professional, contact
your local mental health association or the National
Mental Health Association or the resources below:
National Mental Health Association, 800-969-NMHA, www.nmha.org
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, www.aacap.org
American Psychiatric Association, 888-357-7924, www.psych.org
American Psychological Association, 800-964-2000, www.apa.org
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, 847-256-8525, www.bpkids.org
Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, 703-684-7710,
www.ffcmh.org
Knowledge Exchange Network, 800-789-2647, www.mentalhealth.org
National Association of School Psychologists, 301-657-0270, www.nasponline.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 800-826-3632, www.ndmda.org
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