Can Children Be Depressed In Their Early Years?

Children who are depressed show many of the same characteristics as adults who are depressed.  Especially if a child has a well-rounded family and home life, you might wonder, "What do children have to be depressed about?" Unfortunately, the childhood years are a fertile breeding ground for depression that can take hold of a person's life.

In order to understand childhood depression, you must have a definition of depression in mind. Many people say, "I am so depressed" when they have a particularly disappointing or sad day, but there is a major distinction between these momentary, fleeting feelings of sadness and genuine clinical depression. Clinical depression is a continual, pervasive sense of sadness, dread, and anxiety. When left untreated, depression can lead to serious health issues and even thoughts of suicide.

A good home life is not the only thing that is important to a child.  Children still have to go to school and strive to be accepted by both their peers and the authority figures that they encounter.  Many children feel like they have to be perfect in order to gain the affections of the significant people in their lives.  Their dependency on others only serves as a reminder that they have no control and the intricacies of the world surpass their young minds. These are all factors that contribute to the onset of depression.

Depression, while exhibited as an emotional response, has a chemical cause that can and should be treated. While scientists have very limited understanding about the function of the brain, they do realize that certain chemicals can become imbalanced in the brain, leading to depression. The treatment for depression often involves medications and relaxation techniques that balance out these chemicals.

The most important thing a parent can do to help their child battle depression is to be aware of the risk their child faces and knowledgeable about the symptoms they might see in their children. Children who are depressed will have persistent feelings of sadness or be constantly irritable. They will often express or exhibit a low self-image. This is often exhibited in statements such as "I'm so dumb" that seem to come out of nowhere. 

Children who are depressed will find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork or other responsibilities. They may loose sleep, or begin to sleep too much. Their appetite will either increase or decrease dramatically. The same occurs in their level of activity.

Depressed children often exhibit physical symptoms, such as a persistent stomachache or headache that seems to have no trigger. Other changes in the child's normal routine or behavior can be signs of depression. While the depression may be triggered by an obvious event, such as the death of a relative or sudden move, if the symptoms persist for an extended period of time, it becomes dangerous. 

Parents who have a feeling that their child may be depressed should contact a doctor or other professional immediately.  Contact your family doctor and ask if they have any knowledge of how to treat a child who is depressed.  If they don't, they can refer you to someone who has more experience with this situation.  Treating your child for depression may involve medication along with intensive therapy.  Being a concerned and aggressive parent can be a life-saving trait for your child to have a normal life.

For added helpful knowledge click here Childhood Obesity Concerns as well as Obese Children and go to Obesity And Children An Alarming Issue