This, of course, is in addition to May being Mental Health Awareness Month and this week being Children's Mental Health Week. Again, the folks at the
National Mental Health Association have done a fantastic job of putting together resources. Today's link is related to Childhood Depression and Children's Mental Health, please check it out.
Children can and do get depressed.
Depression in children can present differently than depression in adults. Below the fold are signs of childhood depression and facts.
In addition to the sadness that we often associate with depression, children (and adults, too, for that matter) often exhibit other hallmarks such as:
Increased irritability or agitation I'm not talking about frustration with a brother or sister here. Kids with depression can be persistently irritable or agitated. Nothing seems to be right and they might react quickly and strongly to life's little stresses.
Frequent physical complaints (e.g. headaches, stomachaches) These can be signs of other problems like bullying but can also be a way for a depressed child to be allowed to stay in bed all day and avoid dealing with the world. Adults do this to, they just refer to it as "calling in sick".
Lack of enthusiasm or motivation These kids aren't lazy, they just can't get interested in things. They have decreased engery and may seem chronically tired. Look for things such as withdrawal from friends, family and activities that were once enjoyable to him/her.
Play that involves excessive aggression toward self or others, or that involves persistently sad themes Children's play reveals much about their inner world. As they often lack the verbal skills to work through issues, play becomes the medium for them to do this.
Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness These symptoms are often confused with ADD/ADHD but are also signs of depression and should be assessed.
Now, these symptoms could be just about any kid on any day. If you see these signs in your kiddos, it is important that you assess the how often these occur, how long they last when they do and the impact that they are having on your child's functioning (missed school days, losing friends, etc). Your pediatrician may be able to assess symptoms but school counselors and mental health professionals are good resources as well. If you need to consult several professionals to get the answers or reassurance you need, please do. Mental illness is just as significant as other physical ilnesses so it should be treated the same by parents: don't rest 'til you kid gets the treatment he/she needs.
Children and teens who are depressed are also at an increased risk of suicide, especially when untreated. Three million teens have considered or attempted suicide in the past year, according to data from SAMSA (2002). Did you know that suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death among those under 24 years old? The CDC reports that suicide follows accidents and homicide for this age group.
In most cases, there are warning signs. It is important that these signs be taken seriously.
- Statements such as "I won't be around much anymore" or "Nobody would care if I were dead".
- Giving or throwing away prized possessions.
Bizarre thoughts or hallucinations.
- Sudden cheerfulness after a period of depression.
- Direct or indirect threats of suicide.
Take these warning signs seriously. Ask the person if they are contemplating suicide. Don't be afraid that you are "giving them ideas", you're not and it is important that you establish their safety. If a young person says that they are thinking about suicide or death it is important that they be seen and assessed by a mental health professional as soon as possible. Most communities should have some kind of crisis hotline. Schools should have a resource person in the building. Use the ER at local hospital if you need to. Trust your instincts...seek immediate help...break a confidence if you need to in order to save a life.
Childhood depression is treatable. If supervised properly, medication can make a difference. Play therapy can be effective with young children and teens can respond to talk or group therapy.
So now I turn it over to you. What are your experiences with childhood depression?
How about those adults who are diagnosed with depression...when you think about it, were you also depressed as a child? Family members...do you see the signs in your kids? What is it like to get treatment for your children?