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.
