Children can get depressed too! Here’s all you need to know

We usually think depression is an adult condition. But it’s also common in children and young people. According to a study, it has been observed that depression affects about 2 per cent of preschool and school-age children. It is more frequently reported in girls than boys. Very few parents seek help, often due to their lack of understanding symptoms of depression in their child. However, this should not negate their need for support. You can certainly help your child by educating yourself about common signs of depression so that you can take appropriate action whenever required.

Signs of depression in children

Imagine a kid who used to play often with friends now spend most of the time alone and without interests. Things that were once fun for him now brings little joy to him.

If this behavior pattern of the child becomes persistent, it is a cause for concern. Similarly, kids show different behavioral changes when they are depressed inside. Below given are a few common signs of depression you can watch out:

• Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
• Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
• Hopelessness
• Persistent boredom; low energy
• Social isolation, poor communication
• Low self-esteem and guilt
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• Difficulty with relationships
• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomach aches
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
• Poor concentration
• A major change in eating or sleeping patterns
• Talk or efforts to run away from home
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior

What could be reasons for depression in children?

The reasons for depression in children are unknown. It could be caused by any combination of factors such as genetics and lifestyle. Children may get depressed after losing someone close to them, after experiencing bully at school and spending a lot of time on social media. Having another behavioral and attention problem, learning issues, and anxiety disorder can also put them at higher risk of depression.

Diagnosing depression in children

If you suspect your child with above-mentioned signs and symptoms of depression, try asking them how they are feeling and if there is anything bothering them. There is a possibility that your child will express his/her feelings openly saying whether they are feeling sad or unhappy. Few children even say disturbing things like they want to hurt themselves and be dead. Please take such statements very seriously and seek medical help as early as possible. Your child’s school counselor or qualified mental health professional can help by referring your child to someone who can conduct a comprehensive assessment, diagnose depression, and identify the right treatments.

Treatment for Depression

The good news is that there are several treatments available for depression. However, before giving any conventional treatment for depression to children, it must be monitored carefully, as there can be severe side-effects such as triggered anxiety, agitation, hostility, restlessness or impulsive behavior.

Homeopathy can be of great help for treating depression in children. Homeopathy takes a comprehensive approach to treat depression. The homeopath counsel parents along with children to identify how intense the symptoms are and how much they interfere with the child’s ability to get on with everyday things. They will also find out about your child’s emotions and behaviors, physical changes, and stresses that have been experienced by the child in the last few months. Sometimes parents are given a special questionnaire for evaluation that helps to assess how big an impact the child’s symptoms are having. This information will be gathered to customize a treatment plan best suitable for your child.

Homeopathic medicines prescribed by them as per the treatment plan not only regulate serotonin (happy hormones) in the body, but it also reduces emotional hypersensitivity in children, that too without any side-effects. Learn more about depression and how homeopathy can help you treat the symptoms through this Depression Evaluation Test Online