Depression in Children A Silent Danger that Parents Need to Know

      Nowadays, depression is not just a problem for adults. Although many people often think that children have nothing to stress or worry about, they look bright and cheerful on the outside, but inside they may be experiencing feelings of sadness, loneliness, or emptiness. Causes of depression in children It is caused by many factors such as family problems, academic pressure, or bullying, which, if not treated correctly, can affect a child’s development and quality of life in the long run.

 

Why do children suffer from depression?

     There are many factors that cause children to suffer from depression, both internal factors and external factors that affect them, including:

  - When neurotransmitters are out of balance, they can affect mood. Our feelings and behavior.

  - heredity If someone in your family has a history of depression before. Children are more likely to suffer from depression.

  - Family problems, improper parenting. Fighting, divorce, physical abuse, or the loss of a loved one.

  - Problems at school, bullying. Poor grades or being pressured by parents to study

  - Social Issues Lack of friends It is not acceptable in society.

  - Some drugs such as steroids, antihypertensive drugs, and even various narcotic substances can result in depression.

  - Certain diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, Autoimmune diseases, which can cause symptoms of depression.

 

Observe the symptoms of depression in children

  - Physical manifestations include headaches, chronic abdominal pain, frequent illnesses. Weight loss, insomnia, or excessive sleep

  - Emotional manifestations include feeling sad, bored, irritable, or crying easily.

  - Symptoms of thought expression include feeling disappointed, worthless, self-blaming, and suicidal thoughts.

  - Behavioral symptoms include eating too little or too much food, not wanting to do activities that you used to enjoy. Lack of interest in studying, sluggish, unenthusiastic, and aggressive, antagonistic behavior.

 

How to cope with depression in children

  -  Accept and understand The first important thing is to acknowledge that your child is dealing with mental health issues and try to understand their feelings. Do not blame or judge your child.

  - Consult a specialist, talk to a child psychiatrist or psychologist for advice and appropriate treatment.

  - Create a safe atmosphere Create a warm family atmosphere so that children feel safe and able to talk about anything.

  - Communicate openly and talk to your child regularly. Listen attentively to your child’s feelings.

  - Do activities with your child Invite your child to do activities they enjoy, such as exercising, playing music, or doing activities together as a family, to help them feel more relaxed and comfortable.

  - Take care of your child’s physical health, help them get enough sleep, eat healthy food, and exercise regularly.

  - Observe your child’s behavior closely because depression in children may not be as clearly expressed as in adults, but there are some signs that parents can observe in order to understand and help their children in a timely manner.

 

Treatment of depression in children

     Treatment of depression in children is important to be closely and appropriately supervised because if left untreated, it can have a negative impact on the child’s health. It depends on the severity of the symptoms and other relevant factors.

  - Take antidepressants. In the case of severe depression, antidepressants may be given to help balance brain chemicals, making depression symptoms better.

  - Psychological therapy, including behavioral therapy, helps children learn how to think and manage emotions appropriately, as well as play therapy, which uses play as a medium to communicate and express emotions

 

 

Source : Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital