Kids are exempt from some adult issues, like holding a job or paying the rent, but they can still suffer from depression. MayoClinic.com notes depression in kids is actually as prevalent as it is in adults, despite earlier beliefs that kids don't get depressed. HealthyChildren.org puts the depression rate for adolescents as high as one in 13.
Causes
A number of causes can be behind a kid's depression. Having a parent that is depressed is one of the major factors, says HealthyChildren.org, as kids with parents suffering from depression are likely to receive less attention and emotional support as well as endure more conflict. Disturbing events, such as the death of someone close to the child, abuse or being an outcast at school are other causes. Genetics and the season can both play a part in kids' depression, with chemical imbalances in the brain and Seasonal Affective Disorder where a child becomes despondent during dreary winter months.
Depression Types
Kids can suffer from either minor or major depression, and the minor version can turn into a major episode. Minor depression, known as dysthymia, may leave a kid functioning normally and showing no outward signs of being depressed. Kids can start to believe everyone fees a low level of sadness and despair and not even mention it. Major depression is a major funk with acute feelings of worthlessness or despair. To be major, a child's depression lasts at least two weeks and and the child shows at least four outward signs of depression.
Obvious Signs
A number of obvious, outward signs can indicate your child is depressed. Depressed kids often lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, have trouble concentrating or become irritable and discontent. Their eating and sleeping patterns often change, as does their energy level. Children can also suffer from headaches, stomach aches, digestive problems and other ailments that don't respond to traditional treatments. Suicide attempts are a major red flag.
Hidden Signs
Since kids don't always open up to others about their true feelings, their depression can be hidden. Deep inside they could feel worthless, guilty, pessimistic, hopeless, anxious or empty. They can also entertain thoughts of suicide. Younger children are not going to come out and say they are depressed, but they can exhibit subtler signs of being unhappy, like saying no one likes them, they didn't ask to be born or that they wished they were dead.
Treatment
Psychotherapy, antidepressants or a combination of both are common treatments for children with depression, MayoClinic.com notes. Therapy can be enough for some kids, offering them an arena in which to change their negative outlook and self-views. Medication can be the answer for kids that don't respond to therapy, have been chronically depressed or suffer from conditions such as psychoisis or bipolar disorder.
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