Coping with the symptoms and diagnosis of depression is challenging for every family; yet, with patience, accurate information, timely therapy and support of family and friends, many families are dealing successfully with depression. Depression can strike at any age and affects persons of both sexes at all socioeconomic and educational strata. Families can take steps to help the depressed family member recover and enable the family unit to function in a healthy way.
Symptoms of Depression
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary defines depression as "a mental state or chronic mental disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, loneliness, despair, low self-esteem, and self-reproach; accompanying signs include psychomotor retardation, or less frequently agitation, withdrawal from social contact, and vegetative states such as loss of appetite and insomnia."
Depression is a disorder of mood. Mood consists of emotions experienced over time. Clinical & Medical Psychologist Michael G. Conner, Psy.D., defines an emotion as being what you feel at given moment of time. Depression is a mood associated with feelings of isolation, unhappiness, and loss of self esteem.
Childhood Depression
It is estimated that one in 10 children will be troubled with symptoms of depression over an extended period of time. In his article "Understanding and Dealing with Depression," Dr. Conner states that the following symptoms and behaviors are indicative of childhood depression: crying, feeling sad, hopeless, discouraged or worthless, inability to enjoy others or activities, persistent fatigue/ loss of energy, bad temper, fearful, avoidance by other children and drop in school performance. Physical complaints in absence of medical problems such as, headaches, stomach aches, aching arm or legs, significant increase or decrease in appetite unrelated to an appropriate diet, and change in sleep habits may also occur.
Suicidal thoughts, self-harming behavior, abuse/ use of alcohol or other drugs, or symptoms of depression combined with strange or unusual behaviors require immediate medical attention.
What Causes Depression?
Depression can be a normal reaction to a loss associated with change of residence, divorce, illness, death of a friend or family member. Yet the depressive reaction should eventually give way to emotional states that include joy and optimism.
William R. Beardslee, M.D., a national expert on childhood depression, states that violence, loss, poverty, and social isolation are major social risk factors for depression. Genetic factors also play a role.
In her article “Depression in School-Age Children and Adolescents: Characteristics, Assessment and Prevention,” Mary H. Sarafolean, Ph.D., states that children/ adolescents with school or medical problems, those who are gay, lesbian, rural, incarcerated, pregnant or have a family history of depression, have increased risk.
Some Pointers to Help Cope with Depression
Seek help. Trustworthy friends and family members can help find a competent and compassionate health care provider who will work with the family and facilitate the recovery of the depressed member.
Some episodes of depression are brief, so allow time to see if depression lifts.
Talk with your child's doctor to rule out medication side effects or drug interactions as a cause of your child's depressed behavior, according to Understanding and Dealing with Depression.
Keep a regular schedule for meals and sleeping. Irregular sleep and eating patterns can aggravate symptoms.
Encourage physical activity. Exercise can help alleviate depression.
Help your child stay connected and involved with positive persons and activities.
Diagnosis of Depression is not the End of Wellness
Recovery from childhood depression is possible. Thoughtful, patient and consistent compliance with the regimen of care and loving involvement in getting your child back on track should, with time, yield positive and tangible results.
References
- "Understanding And Dealing With Depression (ages 6 to 12 yrs. old)." Michael G. Conner, Psy.D. 1996
- William R. Beardslee, M.D. Video
- "Depression in School-Age Children and Adolescents: Characteristics, Assessment and Prevention." Mary H. Sarafolean, PhD. Jan 02, 2009
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary: Depression. 2010
