The Depressed Child: Knowing the Signs is Crucial

[Brent]

The Depressed Child: Knowing the Signs is Crucial
by jim strawn

     Do you remember growing up in the 50s, 60s or 70s? Looking back it is hard to believe that we have that we had it so good as children.
     As children, we would ride in the back of a pickup truck on a warm summer day. We drank water from a garden hose and not from a bottle. Horrors.
     We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us on a cell phone. Unthinkable.
     We got cut and broke bones and broke teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
     They were accidents. Remember them. No one was to blame but us. We ate whatever we wanted but were never overweight, we were always outside playing. We shared one grape Nehi with four friends and no one ever died from this. Life was a bubble.
     Childhood and adolescence used to be a time of carefree adventure and fun-filled times. However, for thousands of children and teens, that is not always the case. Childhood and teenage depression is on the rise, according to the National Mental Health Association.
     As school violence and the threat of terrorism has erupted across the country, we are reminded of the many challenges facing our young people.
     They are dealing with violence, peer pressure, single parent homes, the threat of terror, and other issues that can create fear, disconnectedness, anxiety and despair.
     Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for West Virginians age five to nineteen.
     Not only adults become depressed. Children and teenagers may also have depression, which is a treatable illness. That is the good news. Treatment is available and treatment works. Depression is defined as an illness when the feeling of sadness persists and interferes with a child or adolescent's ability to function.
     About 5 percent of children and adolescents suffer from depression at any given point in time.
     Children under stress, who experience loss, or who have attentional, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Depression also tends to be hereditary.
     The behavior of depressed children and teenagers may differ from the behavior of depressed adults.
     Child and adolescent psychiatrists advise parents to be aware of signs of depression in the youngsters. If one or more of these signs of depression persist, parents should seek professional behavioral health treatment:
     · Frequent sadness.
     · Crying.
     · Hopelessness.
     · Decreased interest in favorite activities.
     · Low energy.
     · Boredom.
     · Poor communication.
     · Low self- esteem.
     · Guilt.
     · Anger.
     · Difficulty with relationships.
     · Poor concentration.
     · Change in eating or sleeping patterns.
     · Talk about running away from home.
     · Suicide ideation.
     A child who used to play often with friends may now spend most of the time alone and without interests. Things that were once fun now bring little joy to the depressed child. Children and teens who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may talk about killing themselves.
     Depressed children and teens are at increased risk for committing suicide. Depressed adolescents may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way to feel better.
     Children and adolescents who cause trouble at home or at school may actually be depressed but not know it. Because the youngster may not always seem sad, parents and teachers may not realize that troublesome behavior is a sign of depression.
     When asked directly, these children can sometimes state they are unhappy or sad.
     Early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential for depressed children. This is a real illness that requires professional help.
     Comprehensive treatment often includes both individual and family therapy. It may also include the use of antidepressant medication. For help, parents should ask their physician to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who can diagnose the treat depression in children and teens.
     Remember, it is not a hopeless battle. And the problem will not go away if ignored. Get the help your child deserves and put that carefree adventure back in their lives.