Although many people think of depression as an adult problem, childhood depression has been receiving increasing attention over the last decade or so. Doctors and others have been increasingly recognizing the short and long term effects that untreated depression can have for a child. Studies indicate that around 5 percent of children suffer from depression at any given point in time. Thus, the overall number of children who have ever suffered from depression is higher than 5 percent although the exact numbers are unknown.
Depression is often defined as feelings of sadness or depression that last for longer than a few days and that interfere with the individual's normal life. For children, this may include the development of problems at school, in the family, or with friends. Children may have less of an interest in the things that they once liked to do.
Many parents wonder when they should seek help for children who exhibit some of the signs of depression. The answer isn't always an easy one to make as developing children sometimes withdraw for various reasons not always related to depression. The symptoms of depression in children are often different than those in teenagers or adults, making the illness even more difficult to recognize.
First, parents should pay attention to children who are under stress or who have experienced a loss in their lives. Children are also at a higher risk for depression if they have learning, behavioral, or attention disorders. Any of these factors should make parents more vigilant about watching for the signs of depression and seeking help if they appear.
Second, families who have a family history of depression should recognize that their children have a greater likelihood of depression. While family history doesn't mean that depression will happen, its presence should be noted. Parents who see signs in their children, particularly with a family history of depression, should also seek help as soon as possible.
Third, experts recommend that if you see one or more of the signs of depression in your child that you should seek help. Symptoms like frequent sadness, difficulty in relationships, decreased interest in activities, social isolation, and poor concentration among other symptoms should be take seriously, particularly if you observe more than one and the symptom occurs to last longer than a few days.
Seeking treatment early for childhood depression can help your child avoid serious complication and later long term effects. If you suspect that your child may be suffering from depression, seek medical advice from your doctor or a mental health professional who is familiar with childhood depression.
