A moody child who appears down or unhappy on occasion is not the same as a child who is depressed. Kids, like adults, experience “blue” or gloomy periods. Emotional swings are to be expected. However, if similar sensations and actions persist for more than two weeks, they could indicate a mental disorder such as depression.
Depression isn’t just a problem for adults. Depression may and does affect children and teenagers. Because parents and caretakers may struggle to detect the disorder’s symptoms, children may go undiagnosed and untreated.
The constant sorrow and symptoms might disrupt daily activities, such as school and social activities.
Depression in children is a serious mental health problem that should be treated by a child psychiatry specialist. Let’s take a look at the major early signs of depression among children:
What does a child’s depression look like?
Most of the same depression symptoms that affect teenagers and adults also affect children. However, due to their limited emotional vocabulary, youngsters may have difficulty expressing themselves and these experiences.
Symptoms Of Childhood Depression:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Feelings of guilt, anger, or irritability
- crying
- low energy
- difficulty concentrating
- thoughts of suicide
All of these symptoms may or may not be present in kids with depression. Some may stand out more than others.
- Signs That A Kid May Be Depressed
Emotions or changes that parents and caretakers might perceive are warning signs of depression.
Children may be unsure of how to convey their sentiments to you or refuse to do so. These warning symptoms can appear in depressed children:
- Irritability or anger
- Changing behavior and temperament
- Increase in appetite or loss of appetite
- Increase or decrease in sleep
- Emotional or vocal outbursts
- Higher occurrences of physical illness, such as headaches or stomach-aches
- Decreased concentration
- Defiance
- Poor performance at school
- Having negative thoughts (self-critical comments or complaining)
- Talking about death or dying
Suicide threat:
Suicidal thoughts and actions are common among children with depression. In fact, for children aged 5 to 14, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
If your child has been identified with depression or you fear they may be depressed, keep an eye out for warning symptoms and assist them in seeking treatment.
Warning Symptoms of Suicide Risk:
- Multiple signs of depression
- Social isolation
- Increased risky behavior
- Mentioning suicide, death, or dying
- Expressing hopelessness or feeling powerless
- Frequent accidents
- Interest in weapons
If you encounter these signs in your child, seek help from a child psychiatrist in Dubai without wasting any time.
What causes depression in children?
A variety of factors can contribute to childhood depression. These risk factors may not be responsible for the mood illness on their own, but they may have a role.
These risk factors make it more likely for a kid to experience depression:
- Physical well-being:
Depressed children are more likely to have persistent or severe medical issues. Obesity is one of them.
- Stressful events:
Events at home, school, or with friends can put a child at risk of developing depressive symptoms.
- Environment:
A kid who grows up in a chaotic or stressful environment is more likely to develop a mood condition such as depression.
- History of the family:
Children with mood disorders or depression in their families are more prone to experience depression at an early age.
- Biochemical imbalances:
Certain hormones and substances may have an effect on how the brain functions. This can make you more susceptible to depression.
Risks of childhood depression
Depression in children is a serious disorder, but it may be treated. Children, on the other hand, may suffer long-term repercussions if it is not treated.
These side effects include:
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Worsening signs
- Enhanced risk of developing depression that’s worse or prolonged later
- Severe depressive episodes
- other mood disorders
Wrapping Up
While it may be distressing to see your child suffer from depression or stress, therapy is available in many centers for psychiatry in Dubai. The appropriate treatment can help your child grow and thrive for the rest of his or her life. Therapy and prescription medication is used to treat depression in youngsters. Some kids may benefit from only one of these options, whereas others benefit from a combination.
These aren’t therapies that last a lifetime. Your child’s doctor will prescribe a treatment plan for him or her, and they’ll decide when it’s time to stop using it. The seriousness of the symptoms determines the treatment for childhood depression.
