Depression and Children
All children "feel blue", from time to time, have a bad day, or
are sad. However, when these feelings persist and begin to
interfere with a child’s ability to function in daily life,
clinical depression could be the cause. Depression is not a
personal weakness, a character flaw, or a mood that one can "snap
out of". It is a serious mental health problem that affects people
of all ages, including children. In fact, depression affects as
many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents
according to the federal Center for Mental Health Services.
No one thing causes depression. Children who develop depression may
have a family history of the disorder. Family history, stressful
life events such as losing a parent, divorce, or discrimination,
and other physical or psychological problems are all factors that
contribute to the onset of the disorder. Children who experience
abuse, neglect, or other trauma or who have a chronic illness are
at a higher risk for depression. Depression in children often
occurs along with other mental health problems such as anxiety,
bipolar or disruptive behavior disorders. Adolescents who become
clinically depressed are also at a higher risk for substance abuse
problems.
Depression can lead to academic underachievement, social isolation,
and create difficult relationships with family and friends.
Depression in children is also associated with an increased risk
for suicide. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General estimates that more
than 90 percent of children and adolescents who take their lives
have a mental health disorder such as depression. The rate of
suicide among young people has nearly tripled since 1960.
Once a young person has experienced an episode of depression, he or
she is at an increased risk for having another episode of
depression within the next five years. Children who experience a
depressive episode are five times more likely to have depression as
an adult.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
The list below outlines possible signs of depression. If your
child or one you know is struggling with any combination of these
symptoms for more than two weeks, talk with a doctor or mental
health professional.
Many teens with depression abuse alcohol and drugs as a way to
numb or manage their pain. Any child or adolescent who abuses
substances should be evaluated for depression. If an addiction
develops, it is essential to treat both the mental health disorder
and the substance abuse problem at the same time.
What Should Parents and Caregivers Do?
Depression is treatable. Early identification, diagnosis, and
treatment help children reach their full potential. Children who
show signs of depression should be referred to and evaluated by a
mental health professional who specializes in treating children.
The evaluation may include consultation with a child psychiatrist,
psychological testing, and medical tests to rule out an underlying
physical condition that might explain the child’s symptoms. A
comprehensive treatment plan should include psychotherapy and, in
some cases, medication. This plan should be developed with the
family, and, whenever possible, the child should be involved in
making treatment decisions.
Children’s mental health matters!
To learn more or talk to a doctor or mental health professional,
contact your local Mental Health Association or access the
resources below:
National Mental Health Association, 800-969-NMHA
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Psychiatric Association, 888-357-7924
American Psychological Association, 800-964-2000
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, 847-256-8525
Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health,
703-684-7710
Knowledge Exchange Network, 800-789-2647
National Association of School Psychologists, 301-657-0270
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 800-826-3632
Children’s Mental Health Matters is an initiative of the
National Mental Health Association’s Campaign for
America’s Mental Health. This nationwide public education
campaign is supported by a coalition of national organizations and
state and local Mental Health Associations and their partners.
Through this program, NMHA, its affiliates and partners offer
educational materials for children and their families on a variety
of topics including anxiety disorders, attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder and childhood
depression, and mental wellness.
