Depression in children is actually a common issue, especially in teenagers, and it can significantly affect their lives in different ways.

Depression in children

Depression in children makes them feel sorrowful, irritable, and desperate. It causes mood swings, and it prevents them from enjoying anything they love.

Types of depression in children:

• Major depressive disorder.
• Seasonal affective disorder.
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: in this condition, children have recurrent outburst episodes that aren’t suitable for their age.
• Dysthymia: its symptoms are similar to the ones of major depressive disorder, but they are milder and last longer.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: it occurs when girls have their first period. The children here suffer from depression or anxiety symptoms one week before the period each month.

Causes and risk factors of depression in children

There isn’t a clear reason for depression in children, but it’s thought that it’s one or a combination of the following factors:

• Genetic factors.
• Stressful incidents during life, such as divorce, separation, and death.
• Physical disease or trauma.
• Substance use.
• Being bullied or experiencing mental traumas.
• The risk of depression in kids increases due to the following factors: family conflicts, being female, puberty, problems with friends, experiencing traumatic events during childhood, and having a medical history of low birth weight, brain injury, or any chronic illness.

Symptoms of depression in children

• Mood swings and changes.
• Weakness and decreased energy.
• Losing interest in activities that they used to love.
• Eating more or less.
• Low self-esteem and negative self-talk.
• Sleeping problems.
• Depression in children can increase the risk of substance use disorder and suicidal thoughts.

Diagnosis of depression in children

• Mental health evaluation.
• General tests to rule out other health conditions.

Treatment of depression in children

• Psychotherapy.
• Medications in some cases.
• Family support.
• The risk of children’s depression can be reduced by making a safe and supportive living environment for the child, exercising, following a healthy diet, and sleeping well.