Adults are not the only ones suffering from depression. In fact, about 5 percent of all children and adolescents are suffering from depression at any given time, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The exact reasons for childhood depression vary depending upon the individual child, and often multiple factors are to blame. Parents who believe their child could be depressed should seek the help of a mental help professional, even if there seems to be no apparent cause for the depression.
Genetics
Genetics seems to play a role in causing childhood depression. In fact, children of depressed parents are more than three times more likely to experience a depressive disorder than other children, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Physiology
Chronic illness or disease, viral infections, mental disorders, medications or not getting enough sleep or proper nutrition can also cause depression in children. Chemical imbalances in the brain also can limit a child's ability to feel good and contribute to depression, explains the Nemours Foundation's website KidsHealth.org.
Environment
Children who grow up in difficult environments also may become depressed. This includes growing up in poverty or with abuse, neglect or disorder in the household. A lack of family cohesion or persistent family conflict causes many children to develop negative views about themselves and the world, explains Dr. Michael Conner, the clinical director and psychologist for Bend Psychological Services in Oregon and contributor to OregonCounseling.org. Children in difficult environments may also develop a learned helplessness, where they learn to see themselves as victims instead feeling empowered to problem-solve and plan for a better future. These children may not develop the social skills needed to cope with difficult situations.
Life Events
Stressful life events can also trigger depression in children. A divorce, death of a loved one or pet, an academic or athletic failure, a move to a new area or school, physical or mental abuse or bullying or teasing are difficult for all children, but especially for those who do not have an appropriate support system or coping skills. Although not all children who experience stressful life events develop depression, these events often trigger depression in children who are genetically, biologically or environmentally predisposed to the condition
References
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: The Depressed Child
- Healthy Place: What Causes Depression in Children
- Oregon Counseling: Understanding and Dealing with Depression
- Nemours Foundation: Kids Health: Understanding Depression
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Depression and Suicide in Children and Adolescents
