Depression in Children- More Than Just Sadness
Depression and other mental health issues in children and teens have become increasingly common in our country. Compounding this problem is the level of difficultly to obtain the help patients need from mental health professionals. The focus of today’s article is depression – causes, symptoms to look for in your child, what you can do to help, when to seek professional care, and treatment options.
Depression is unfortunately common in the pediatric age group, with as many as 1 in 5 teenagers experiencing depression at some point during adolescence.
What does depression look like?
Depression can look very different in children and teens as compared to adults. Common signs of depression in young people include:
- Irritability or sadness that persists for most of the day
- Withdrawing from social situations with family and friends
- Decreased energy
- Significant appetite and/or weight change, either gain or loss.
- School issues – decreased concentration, grades dropping, cutting classes
- Not enjoying favorite activities, such as school, sports, or other extracurriculars.
- Trouble sleeping – either too much or too little.
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Substance abuse
- Chronic complaints of pain or fatigue with no particular source.
Keep in mind that each individual responds to and shows signs of depression differently. Your child may occasionally exhibit a few of these characteristics as a normal part of childhood, but if several of them are present – especially if they occur every day – it is likely a sign of a more significant problem with depression. The most important thing you can do is be aware of new behaviors in your child and respond to them quickly.
Suicidal thoughts
Sadly, suicide is now one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. Any thoughts or expressions of suicide should be taken seriously and treated like an emergency. Prior suicide attempts, behaviors of self-harm such as cutting, and history of suicide in a family member all increase the risk of suicide in teens. Victims of bullying, both in person and cyber-bullying, are at higher risk of suicide as well.
In addition to obtaining emergency evaluation and care for a suicidal teen, parents should ensure the home environment is as safe as possible. Remove or lock away firearms, sharp objects, ropes, and medications.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 1-800-273-TALK.
What causes depression?
Like most mental health issues, there are multiple factors that contribute to the development of depression in teens. Abnormalities in the chemical balance in the brain, and rapidly changing hormone levels can put them at particular risk. There is also a genetic component to depression, as it is more common in young adults who have close family members who also suffer from depression. Traumatic events and abuse that occur in early childhood can also contribute to development of depressive symptoms, particularly if they are not dealt with in a healthy manner through therapy and/or counseling.
What can you do to help your child with depression?
- Keep communication open. Talk to your child about his or her concerns. Let them know that you are there for reassurance and guidance.
- Create a safe space at home for emotional expression. Allow your child to express thoughts, fears, concerns, and frustrations without judgments or punishments.
- Spend quality time with your child.
- Reach out to your child’s Pediatrician for an evaluation and discussion of potential treatments for depression.
- Make a safety plan for what to do if feelings of depression escalate.
How do doctors treat depression?
During routine well-child checkups starting at age 11, it is recommended to screen for mental health issues – specifically for anxiety and depression. If your child is found to have an elevated score on a depression screen, the Pediatrician will discuss options for further evaluation and treatment of depression with you and your child. An important thing to realize is that depression, like any mental health problem, is not a quick or easy fix. It is a long-term effort on the part of the patient, parent, and physician.
One of the most important treatment methods for depression is regular therapy with a mental health professional. This includes individual and family therapy, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, all of which work to change the way a child approaches and deals with depressive feelings. They learn to recognize and handle negative thoughts, and in doing so learn coping skills for dealing with depression.
Lifestyle changes can also make an impact on children and teens with depression. These include balanced and nutritious meals, physical activity, proper sleep hygiene, and social supports from friends and family.
Sometimes older children and teens will need medication to help manage depressive symptoms. These medications can help to stabilize the chemicals in the brain that are usually out of balance in states of depression. It is my opinion that antidepressant medications should not be used as a sole method of treatment, and should not be used long-term in this population. Rather, they should be used in conjunction with traditional counseling measures, in order to bridge the gap to wellness. If you feel your child may have depression severe enough to require medication, please reach out to your Pediatrician to discuss in more detail.
Final thoughts
The very idea that suicide is now one of the leading causes of death in teenagers is heartbreaking. The early recognition and treatment of depression in our youth is vital to changing this statistic. Promoting mental health awareness and advocating for easily accessible treatments is vital in this process as well. As parents, it is important to learn to recognize the difference between normal teen behavior and the red flags of depression. If you have any concerns at all, please reach out to your family’s Pediatrician. We are here to help.
Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20350985
