Is your child not the same as before? Is he always sad and sullen? Or does he get angry over the smallest things? Are the games and hobbies he used to enjoy no longer of any use to him? As parents, it is normal for us to feel very scared and worried when we see such changes. Sometimes we think, "This is just something that happens when you get older." But that is not always the case. This situation can be a symptom of a mental illness called depression in children.
Simply put, what is depression in these children?
It's normal for children to feel sad and have mood swings. Think about it, when they get a bad grade on an exam or have a fight with a friend, they feel sad. That's normal. But after a few days, that sadness goes away, and they start to be happy again.
But depression is something different. It’s not just sadness, it’s a medical condition. A child with depression feels sad, angry, and has no interest in anything for more than two weeks. This can affect their sleep, appetite, and relationships with friends and family. They may lose interest in things they used to enjoy, such as playing sports or drawing. In severe cases, they may even have thoughts of harming themselves.
If you notice that your child has these symptoms for more than two weeks, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Although depression is a serious condition, there are effective treatments for it.
What are the types of depression that children can experience?
Depression doesn't come in one form or another. It comes in many different forms. Let's look at a few of the most common types among children.
| Type of depression | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Major Depressive Disorder | This is the condition we all know as "depression". The child is always sad and hopeless. He gets angry at even the smallest things. His sleep pattern changes (either he is not sleepy or he sleeps too much). He wants to be alone, away from friends and family. |
| Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) | This condition occurs in girls, especially after their first period. About a week before their period, they experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. They cry for no reason, get angry easily, and have trouble concentrating. Physical symptoms can include stomach aches, body aches, breast tenderness, and fatigue. |
| Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) | The symptoms are similar to those of major depression, but they come and go over time. They often appear during rainy, cloudy, or dark weather. However, they can occur at any time. |
| Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder | These children often have violent outbursts and act out in ways that are inappropriate for their age. They may verbally or physically attack others. When your child is having a tantrum, you may not think they are sad. But it is important to talk to your doctor about this behavior. This condition is usually diagnosed in children over 6 years old. |
| Dysthymia | This is a condition that is a little less severe than major depression, but it lasts longer. Symptoms can come and go over years. Over time, you may think, "This is just how it is with children." But there are treatments for this too. |
Why do children get depressed?
There is no single cause for depression in children, but experts believe that a combination of genetics and environmental factors contribute to the condition.
Here are some of the main causes and risk factors:
- Family history: If a close family member (mother, father, siblings) has depression, the child is at higher risk of developing it as well.
- Traumatic life events: parental separation, death of a family member, moving house, changing schools, etc.
- Bullying at school: Physical or psychological bullying from other children can have a profound impact on a child's mind.
- Other medical conditions: Children living with long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma are at increased risk of developing depression.
- Chemical changes in the brain: Depression can also be caused by imbalances in the chemicals (neurotransmitters) in our brain that control emotions such as happiness and sadness.
- Puberty: Children's mental states can change with the hormonal changes that occur during this time.
How do you know if a child has depression?
If you have any concerns about your child, the first thing to do is to see your child's pediatrician. The doctor will first check to see if there is a physical cause for your child's mental changes.
Because the symptoms of some illnesses can be similar to depression. For example:
- Anemia
- Thyroid problems (Hypothyroidism)
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Diabetes
Once it is confirmed that there is no physical cause, the doctor will refer you and your child to a mental health specialist, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist.
There, the specialist will ask questions from you and your child, and obtain information about your child's behavior and feelings. They may also obtain information from your child's teachers. All of this will help determine whether your child has depression or not.
What are the treatments for depression?
There are two main treatments for depression in children: talk therapy and medication. Often, the best results are achieved when both treatments are used together.
1. Talk Therapy
This mainly uses a method called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) . Simply put, it helps the child identify negative thought patterns and change them to positive ones. It teaches the child ways to manage their emotions, cope with problems, and calm down.
2. Medication
If the doctor decides it is necessary, they will prescribe medication to treat depression. The most common type of medication given to children is SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that affects our happiness. Some of the most common types of medication given to children are:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac®)
- Sertraline (Zoloft®)
- Paroxetine (Paxil®)
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Never stop giving your child medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. Doing so may worsen your child's condition.
| Side effects of medications and what to do | |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms occur, call your doctor immediately. | |
| - Allergic reaction | - High fever |
| - Blood in the stool | - Chest pain, difficulty breathing |
| - Rapid or irregular heartbeat | - Dizziness, lightheadedness |
| - Sudden changes in vision, eye pain | - Thoughts of harming yourself or worsening of your mental state |
| These usually subside within a few weeks (but inform your doctor). | |
| - Changes in appetite | - Insomnia or excessive sleepiness |
| - Dry mouth | - Headache |
| - Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea | - Tremors |
How can I, as a parent, help my child?
Your child's support and love are invaluable during this difficult time. There are several important things you can do.
- Listen to your child: Listen carefully to what he says. Respect his feelings. Don't dismiss his questions by asking "What's that?"
- Be patient: Treatments take time to show results. So be patient. Don't pressure your child.
- Keep a record of your child's changes: Keep a journal of your child's sleep, eating, behavior, and side effects of medications. This will be very helpful when you visit the doctor.
- Create a good environment: Make the home environment a safe and supportive place for the child. Do not bring up family disputes in front of the child.
- Instill good habits: Exercise your child daily, feed them a balanced diet, and help them get enough sleep.
- Take care of yourself: This can be a stressful time for you too. So think about your mental health as well. Seek counseling if necessary.
When should I seek immediate medical attention?
Generally, if a child's mood changes last more than two weeks, if they have serious sleep problems, or if they refuse to go to school for more than five days, see a doctor.
Also, never delay in the following extreme cases:
If your child talks about, writes about, or exhibits such behaviors, seek immediate medical attention. You can take your child to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Institute of Mental Health's hotline at 1926 for advice.
This condition is not your fault or your child's fault. It is a disease that can affect anyone. With the right treatment and your love and support, your child can live a healthy, happy life again.
Take-Home Message
- Depression in children is not just sadness, it is a medical condition that requires treatment.
- Be aware of changes in your child's behavior and mood that last more than two weeks.
- This is not the child's fault or yours. So don't blame yourself.
- If you have any doubts, do not delay and consult your child's doctor. There are effective treatments.
- Your love, patience, and support during the treatment process are essential for your child to recover quickly.
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