Children depression is on the rise and affects as many as one in every 33 children. It is a serious health problem that often is left unnoticed and untreated.
Causes of depression in children may be combination of
- Genetic predisposition,
- Early development,
- Stressful life events in the family and
- Other psychological and social factors.
Depression in children often coexists along with other mental health problems such as anxiety, bipolar disorder and disruptive behavior disorders. Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa may be linked to depression. Children suffering from depression are more likely to fail at school and abuse alcohol or drugs. Depression in children is associated with an increased risk for suicide.
Child depression symptoms: If your child has five or more these symptoms for at least two weeks, ask his/her pediatrician for help.
- Prolonged sadness and unexplained crying spells
- Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt
- Inability to take pleasure in normal activities such as playing and games
- Irritability, agitation, anger, hostility
- Withdrawal at home and school
- Headaches
- Reckless behavior
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Bed wetting