Childhood anger is an expected display of emotion, but it can flare out of control, making it a possible symptom of a variety of mental health conditions, including depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression in children is as common as it is in adults, and, if it goes untreated, it can lead to future mental health and life issues.
Basics
According to Kid's Health, one out of every 33 children experience depression, as do one in eight teenagers. Many children can feel sad, but this is normal and does not necessarily imply depression. Kid's Health reports that with childhood depression negative moods can linger from weeks to months or longer. These moods also have a significant negative impact on your child's daily functioning. Displays of anger in your child can be considered a symptom of depression or another co-occurring mental health disorder and should not be overlooked. The anger would have to occur with other shifts in mood and behavior such as sadness and feelings of worthlessness, and may appear to be uncontrollable.
Causes of Anger
Kid's Health reports a variety of causes for your child's anger including hormonal changes impacting mood, the intensity of life stress, being around others who role model anger, his ability to cope with stresses, as well as having an impulsive personality in which he easily loses control over his emotions and behaviors.
Causes of Depression
There is not one definite cause of depression in children, but some factors contribute to an increased risk of depression. These factors include chronic illness, significant life events such as loss of a significant person, divorce, a breakup, moving to a new school or place and lower levels of certain neurotransmitters in your child's brain that impact mood, according to Kid's Health.
Signs and Symptoms
Parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of childhood depression, with anger being a possible major symptom. Other signs include lack of energy, irritability, inability to concentrate, change in appetite and sleep pattern, lack of desire to socialize with family or friends, inability to find pleasure in activities they previously enjoyed, feelings of worthlessness, lack of hope and thoughts of death or suicide, reports Kid's Health.org. Anger symptoms include tensing muscles, headaches, feeling flushed, pacing, racing heart, clenched jaw and knots in stomach, reports HelpGuide.org.
Treatment
Treatment for childhood depression can require a combination of psychotherapy and medication. According to the Mayo Clinic, cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the more successful therapies used to treat childhood depression. With cognitive behavioral therapy your child will relearn how to think about themselves because children who experience depression usually have negative and unhealthy views of themselves. Also, antidepressants have shown success for children. It is important to consult your child's doctor or mental health provider if you suspect your child is depressed. They will properly evaluate your child and recommend a treatment plan. Anger, a possible symptom of depression, will be addressed and treated in therapy for depression. If your child requires more help dealing with their anger then anger management classes or support groups may be recommended. In these groups, your child will learn more productive ways of dealing with and expressing their anger, while getting support from others who experience similar emotions.
