While most of us are clear that adults can experience depression in varying degrees – many believe that children are spared this pain. Sadly, this is not true. Children can also experience a sadness that is more persistent than the momentary annoyance with a parent or a “no” or lost toy. Children at three years old are now being diagnosed with depression. What can make this particularly confusing for parents is that many of symptoms of childhood depression can look like typical childhood behavior. What a parent must look at is the consistency and the depth of the behavior. For example, if your child is upset with a friend and decides that he/she doesn’t want to be the child’s friend any more – this, in and of itself, can be typical childhood behavior. However, if your child begins to decide that he/she doesn’t want to play with any friends – this could be a problem; Or if your child seems sad even when engaging in previously enjoyable activities, or spending time with friends, perhaps an evaluation is in order. The child who seems to be a “problem” child in the house – who is belligerent, angry, prone to temper tantrums, cannot be comforted or experience joy – may, in fact, be a depressed child. Take the child for an evaluation – first to a medical doctor and then, possibly on from there.
SIGNS OF DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN CAN INCLUDE:
SAD OR IRRITABLE MOOD WITHDRAWN LETHARGIC HEADACHES STOMACHACHES CHANGES IN THEME OF DRAWINGS CHANGES IN THEME OF PLAY DECREASE IN ENERGY DEATH THEME IN PLAY OR CONVERSATION PROBLEM EATING PROBLEM SLEEPING DISINTEREST IN USUAL ACTIVITIES
For parents, dealing with a depressed child can be quite difficult. The experience of your child being all but inconsolable, listless and unable to enjoy what used to be so enjoyable is frustrating and worrisome for the parent and certainly frustrating and saddening for the child.
If you notice ANY behavioral changes in your infant or child your first step should be the pediatrician. Once ruling out any physical causes, your pediatrician can make recommendations based on his/her medical findings. Often play therapy can be quite effective with younger children.
CAUSES
The child who is born of depressed parents or a parent may be more likely to experience depression. Significant losses or disruptions in a child’s household may also be a factor.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Parent/family/caregiver education
For the young depressed child – play therapy can be extremely helpful
Insure that your child engages in a healthy daily routine. Healthy structure can be affirming for both the child and the family.
As with adults, children need to experience the interest and love and support of adult caregivers. Listen to your child, ask questions – be in the moment with your child and not just sitting there trying to figure out your next move when your child finally stops rattling on.
PCIT-ED (Parent-Child Interaction – Emotion Development) - a therapy that involves the child and parent and is designed to help each understand ways to cope with their feelings or depression with a goal of reducing the feelings of hopelessness that both may be experiencing.
The most harmful thing for parents/caregivers is to work hard to avoid the downward spiral of self-blame. Blaming yourself for the pain of a loved one never, ever does anyone any good.
If you are wondering if your child is suffering from depression, take your child first to a medical professional that specializes in working with children. If your child’s doctor makes a referral for a mental health evaluation – be sure to take your child to a mental health professional that also specializes in working with children.