About this topic
All people have times of sadness and low mood, even children. These are normal feelings. When a person has a major disappointment or loss, they may feel sad or angry. Then, the feelings lessen over time. When the low mood and sadness lasts for a longer time, it may be depression. ‚
Depression is a deep feeling of sadness. It limits a persons ability to act normally. The person may not be able to enjoy fun activities, may have feelings of guilt, and may be angry. A person with depression may have changes in feeling hungry and sleep. They may have thoughts of killing themselves or may have even tried it. ‚
These deep feelings may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This can be treated with drugs and talk therapy. It is important to know the signs of depression. Then, family and friends can help a child get the right treatment. ‚
General
Signs of depression in children and adolescents are: ‚
- Deep sadness. This may include crying, anger, and complaining.
- Often reporting headaches, muscle aches, and stomach aches
- Loss of interest or joy in things your child used to enjoy. This may include lack of interest in going out with friends or social loneliness.
- Unexplained changes in weight
- Problems with sleep or too much sleep
- Low energy
- Feelings of low self-worth or guilt, strong response to failure or rejection, and angry feelings at others
- Thoughts or fear of death or killing oneself
- Trouble focusing, problems in school, or more absences from school
- Reckless actions like substance abuse or running away from home
- Does not want to talk and has problems with relationships
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help the signs of depression
- Improve sleep
- Ease tension or distress
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Help your child to exercise daily.
- Try to spend time outside each day. Sunshine can make your child feel better.
- Give your child a set bedtime and wake up time. Make sure your child gets 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.
- Try to limit stress. Help your child to limit excess activities.
- Talk with your child. Ask if there is something bothering them. Be a good listener.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- If your child says anything about hurting himself or someone else
- If your childs depression gets worse, or is not getting better
- If problems with eating or sleeping continue
- If you have any questions about the drugs your child is taking
Helpful tips
- Talk to your childs doctor about the signs you are seeing. An exam may be needed to rule out any physical illness that may be causing the signs. If there is no physical cause, talk about any treatment that will be helpful.
- Let your child's teachers know of the illness. They may help by looking for changes in your child's behavior at school and be able to change teaching plans.
- Join a support group. Go along with your child to the group meetings.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/depression.html# ‚
National Institute of Mental Health ‚
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-children-and-adolescents/depression-in-children-and-adolescents.pdf ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/children-depressed-signs.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚