Childhood & Teenage Depression
March 30, 2009 by Riya Agnihotri
Filed under Child Development, Teenagers
The facts about depression in children and teenagers are impossible to ignore. As research shows, the Asian community is reluctant to acknowledge or even think about the possibility of mental health problems. Generally the issue is regarded as a taboo subject and this becomes more apparent when we try to discuss mental health amongst the most vulnerable groups in our society – namely children and teenagers.
I was speaking about depression in teenagers to an Asian friend in her thirties and her response was “It’s all in the mind. Can a little pill help?- I doubt it – tell them to get some fresh air!”
I am afraid this is a grossly inaccurate and simplistic picture; especially when thinking about the cultural nuances of Asian Families. The dynamics in Asian families (at the risk of generalising) are often patriarchal with certain expectations of obedience from the children. These expectations are extended even to young adults living in the family home. Fear of reprisal or worse – their cries of help being ignored – can often lead to a whole host of other depression related problems for children; including self-harm, eating disorders, aggressive and anti-social behaviours.
Childhood and teen depression is very real and can be painful for both the youngster and the entire family. Figures show that as many as 1 in 33 children and 1 in 8 teenagers suffer from depression. Judging by my work with young adults, I sure this figure may even be significantly higher than we know.
What is really worrying is that there is evidence that even pre-schoolers can suffer from childhood depression and it’s signs are difficult to always recognise.
Basheer Lotfi-Fard, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatry fellow at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago has said:
“Unfortunately, we do view mental illnesses like depression and anxiety related conditions. We know that a child, after achieving recovery from a depressive episode, has a 20 to 60 percent chance of [another bout of depression] after two years and almost 70 percent after five years.”
Initial diagnosis is often made when a parent notices significant change in the child’s behaviour. Sometimes the behaviour may very well include prolonged crying or excessive tiredness that the doctors are unable to explain. Sometimes children as young as 10 can talk of suicide and death. Some children may even attempt to end their own lives.
Childhood and Teen Depression: Know the Risks and Signs
If you’re wondering whether your child is at risk of depression, answering these questions can help:
Do you have a family history of depression? The problem here is that you may not have had your disorder diagnosed or you may feel that this is something that you have struggled with on and off for years. You may very well be an immigrant to the country (from India, Bangladesh or Pakistan) and due to societal taboos surrounding mental health in these respective countries you may not have approached anybody for health advice.
What is important to remember is that depression tends to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic basis to the disorder. Has something major happened to you or your child? Divorce, emotional or sexual abuse, loss of a family member or friend, a move to another area, or stress are all significant life events that may lead to symptoms of depression.
Other signs and symptoms of depression in your child may very well include:
When you notice that a child’s behaviour or symptoms are interfering with your child’s life, either at home, school or with their peer group, your youngster may indeed be suffering from childhood or teen depression.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood and Teen Depression
* You may notice your child has frequent and persistent depressed mood or irritability
* They may show a loss of interest in daily or regular activities
* You may notice a significant change in weight or appetite
* Their routines and sleep patterns may be disturbed, like suddenly sleeping too much or too little
* They may display a sudden loss of energy or be tired much of the time.
* They may feel what you perceive to be excessive guilt or feelings of worthlessness
* They may start to have noticeable difficulty in concentrating, this may be a variation to their normal ability to concentrate.
* More disturbingly they may have frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide— or they may even be a suicide attempt.
There are no simple tests to determine if a child or teen is suffering from depression. Usually, the doctor or mental health professional will conduct an interview with the youngster as well as with the parents or caregiver. The doctor may use a specific questionnaire or assessment scale to aid in diagnosis.
Be aware that the doctor probably will want to talk to your child or teen out of your presence.
Counselling and medicine are effective methods used to treat depression in young people. Depending on how old they are, patients are often encouraged to take part in their own treatment decisions. Chronic conditions can be managed and as long as [patients] are under treatment for their symptoms, they can remain under remission and it shouldn’t prevent them from leading normal, healthy lives.”
Childhood and Teen Depression: How You as a Parent Can Help
Try to remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms of depression, and getting prompt treatment if you strongly feel it is needed. Other things you may want to do to help your child include:
* Making doubly sure your child or teen eats healthy foods
* Encouraging your youngster to remain active; this is known to help with symptoms.
The above two can make a significant difference in alleviating early signs of depression.
* Regularly remind your child of your support. It’s important to tell your child that he can count on you. These reminders need to be consistent. Children and teenagers often need continual reassurance and reminders.
* Praising your child or teenager for his efforts; do not criticise his actions. It may be difficult for him or her to get up in the morning or do chores or homework during a bout of depression.
* Do ask for help when you need it. If you feel that your child is not doing well, or needs additional support, contact his or her health care professional. Speak to your child’s teachers even if they seem hurried and harassed. You deserve the best for your child and sometimes it is easy to feel as though you are on your own.
If you as a parent or caregiver need support of your own, don’t hesitate to get help. You need to take care of yourself to be able to provide the best support to your child.
By Riya Agnihotri