Childhood depression and anxiety - time to seek professional help

Childhood depression and anxiety - time to seek professional help

Childhood depression and anxiety are often overlooked. A common belief that children cannot be depressed was recently debunked by the American Psychiatric Association. Childhood depression and anxiety usually focus on a single issue. This can cause a lot of stress and disruption in their lives.

Childhood depression is an overwhelming sadness that envelopes your child every day for weeks or even months. It is a crippling lack of joy that prevents her from enjoying her life: her family. Childhood depression is a pressing mental health issue. There is strong research suggesting that children can be protected against depression by learning how to successfully process and cope with adversities such as frustrations and disappointments.

Childhood depression is characterized by largely the same diagnostic criteria as adult depression. Only in the last thirty years has mainstream psychiatry accepted childhood depression as a valid diagnostic category

Symptoms include constantly looking and feeling unhappy, crying a lot, or being quiet and withdrawn. But the vast majority of children can be helped. Symptoms of depression are different in children than in adults. The National Institute of Mental Health advises parents and professionals to watch out for: pretending to be sick, refusing to go to school, or fearing the death of a parent.

Treatment requires parental involvement. The comprehensive treatment is individual and family work. Treatment options for children with depression are similar to those for adults, including psychotherapy (counseling) and medicine. The role that the child's family and environment play in the treatment process differs from that of adults.

Health facilities and schools will provide space for free depression assessments by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. They are supported by the Green Ribbon Power Force, a group of collaborating hospitals and affiliated facilities. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult a healthcare professional.

Adults tend to view children as just children whose emotional development is still developing. However, it is best for parents, caregivers, and teachers to be aware of the symptoms of childhood depression and anxiety.

Adults tend to view children as just children whose emotional development is still developing. However, it is best for parents, caregivers, and teachers to be aware of the symptoms of childhood depression. Adults can also seek further information and advice before deciding whether it is time to seek professional help.

Inspired by Beatrice Brown