May Children Really Have Depression?

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects people of all ages, including children. Many parents and caregivers may not be aware that children can experience depression and may not recognize the signs and symptoms. However, it is important to understand that childhood depression is a real and treatable condition.

Childhood depression is different from the normal "blues" and everyday emotions that children go through as they develop. Just because a child seems sad doesn't necessarily mean they have significant depression. But if the sadness becomes persistent or interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, it may mean they have a depressive illness.

Misconceptions

There are two main misconceptions about childhood depression. The first actually applies to both adults and children. This misconception is that someone can just get over depression. Clinical depression is more than just feeling "blue." Everyone can feel "down" from time to time. This can be attributed to stress or unhappiness with some aspect of their life. While depression may appear similar to these down moods, it is much more pervasive and can even be life threatening. Clinical depression also is not triggered by a single event in a person's life.

The second misconception is that children do not have any reason to be depressed. Childhood is viewed as a carefree period of life. Adults forget that children are essentially powerless and have no control over their lives. Children also have to deal with peer acceptance, school life, and any pressures or expectations that their parents have. This can be a difficult situation to live with day to day.

What is Childhood Depression?

Childhood depression is a mental health disorder that affects children and adolescents. Childhood depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition in which children experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Unlike occasional sadness or mood swings, childhood depression can interfere with a child's daily life and even lead to thoughts of self-harm.

What we now know:

· Childhood depression is a real, distinct clinical entity.

· It is a serious health condition, which if left untreated, increases risk of future, prolonged and more severe depressive episodes. Untreated depression in childhood and adolescence can pose risk of suicide.

· Depression often has biological, psychological and social underpinnings. An individualized treatment plan that explores and addresses each of these aspects, works best.

· Effective treatment options for childhood and teen depression have been widely tested, proven and established, through several scientific studies over the years.

· Childhood depression can be hidden and therefore, easily missed. Timely recognition and treatment can be life-changing and life-saving.

· The barriers surrounding mental health stigma are beginning to give way due to powerful social movements and discussions that address realities of mental health.

How is Childhood Depression Different from Adult Depression?

Childhood depression differs from adult depression in the way symptoms are expressed. Children with depression may act out or become irritable, rather than expressing feelings of sadness. Additionally, symptoms of childhood depression may cause disruptions in school and social settings, while adult depression may cause disruptions in work and personal relationships.

Also. unlike depression in adults, childhood depression can also manifest in physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach aches.

Is Childhood Depression Common?

Childhood depression is more common than you might think. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 3% of children ages 6-12 and 8% of adolescents ages 13-18 have experienced depression. Despite its prevalence, childhood depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated. The prevalence of the condition increases with age, peaking during adolescence. Girls are also more likely to experience childhood depression than boys.