Could your child be depressed?
CHILDHOOD development is marked by a number of factors that will no doubt cause your children to experience the occasional sadness, loss of interest in social activities or a one-off emotional tirade. But clinical psychologist Dr Pearnel Bell said that this should not be confused with depression, which she says many parents rule out as just another developmental stage.
“Mental health professionals were of the view that children did not experience depression. Clinical research has shown that children do experience depression. The popular belief was that clinical depression in children was very different from in adults, but in reality, the challenges are actually similar,” Dr Bell said.
She explained that major depression is diagnosed when there is depressed mood or irritability, loss of interest or pleasure in most activities over a period of two weeks — especially those they usually enjoy — and is prolonged.
Dr Bell pointed out that if, following this two-week observed withdrawal, the following symptoms become commonplace, then parents should make every effort to seek immediate professional help for the child. Among the signs of concern are:
• Appetite disturbance
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Sleep disturbance
• Increased feelings of agitation
• Restlessness
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness
•Thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.
These symptoms may cause significant impairment in school and social functioning; however, Dr Bell said these signs may not be so easily identified. She said that parents could more readily identify them if they are paying close attention to their children.
“We know how important being with friends is, and if your child suddenly doesn’t want to do that any at all without a valid reason, of course in association with other changes such as failing grades, a sudden disinterest in the things that they once craved, then you should be concerned,” Dr Bell said. “Even simple things such as nail biting or increased somatic complaints can be signs. Other more serious problems are a hostile attitude, enuresis (bed-wetting), shyness, unmotivated weeping and self-isolation.”
She was quick to point out that these may not all happen, in fact, only a few signs at a time may be on display. However, these she noted do not form a natural part of the child’s personality, and for this reason alone parents should not only be concerned, but act on it to ensure that the child will be given the psychotherapy care and treatment as determined by mental health aids to ensure that they can return to leading their lives unmarred by depression.
