All
individuals may become depressed at some point in time. However,
when feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child’s
ability to work, it is termed as depression.
Children
and teenagers are as prone as adults to suffer from depression.
At any given point in time, about 5% of children in a population
suffer from depression.
Warning
signs of depression: -
Depressed
children may behave differently as compared to depressed adults.
Help should be seeked if following signs persist-
- Frequent
sadness and crying
- Feeling
of hopelessness
- Disinterested
in surrounding with persistent boredom
- Low
energy and easy fatigability
- Avoids
friends and social contact
- Poor
self esteem
- Frequent
complaints of aches in the body
- Falling
grades and poor performance in school
- Inability
to concentrate
- Increased
/ Decreased appetite
- Increased
/ Decreased sleep.
- Runs
away from home
- Thoughts
of suicide
- May
abuse alcohol or drugs to feel better.
Children
under stress and those having ADHD, conduct disorders and learning
disabilities are more prove to depression. Depression may also
run in families. Troublesome behavior is a sign of depression
and parents may not realize it as the teenager may not appear
sad.
Early
diagnosis and treatment is very essential. Parents should take
professional help from a child psychiatrist. Treatment may include
both individual and family therapy and also may include antidepressant
medications.
See
also "
Depression"
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Last updated on 17-03-2001
