Childhood Depression

The Myth of Childhood Depression:

Some of us may think that children should have nothing to worry about and they should always be happy.   However, children are like adults and can experience a wide range of emotions, including depressed feeling.  It is a myth that depression only happens to adults and children are exempted from it.

Sometimes parents may even mistaken depression as laziness. When a child is depressed he or she is likely not able to focus at school.  Parents may interpret the distraction and forgetfulness as laziness.

In many ways childhood depression is similar to adult depression. However, there are a few areas that distinguish childhood depression from adult depression.  Depending on the age most children may not have the verbal ability or vocabulary to express their needs and feelings.  When limited by their vocabulary children tend to communicate their feelings through behaviours. Children suffering from depression may show aggression, irritability or even somatic complaints.  Symptoms of childhood depression should not be ignored and early intervention is very crucial to prevent deterioration.

Warning Signs of Childhood Depression:

• Feeling sad or anxious; may cry easily.
• Being clingy; school refusal, dropping of academic performance.
• Easily angry, agitated or irritable.
• Easily distracted, unable to focus, forgetful.
• Lack of energy, fatigued.
• Feeling not good enough, making mistakes all the time or guilty about their behaviours.
• Isolating himself or herself from friends; losing interest in usual activities, not joining in class discussion or group activities.
• Talk about things like “not waning to live, wanting to die, why was I born? I am a loser”, etc.
• Change of sleeping habits or appetite; complaints of stomach ache or headache, etc.
  

If you suspect your child may be suffering from depression:

• Recognize the signs of depression and take action immediately.
• Support your child by showing that you are interested in knowing how he or she feels. Do not be afraid to talk with your child about his or her feelings. (e.g. You look very upset, tell me how you are feeling?)
• Listen to his or her struggles. Listen first and explain later. Be careful that what you want to say to the child will not minimize his or her feelings.
• Consult your family doctor or paediatrician to rule out any physical causes.
• Talk to your child’s school counsellor to see how your child is doing at school.
• Consult the school counsellor or a local mental health team.
• Consult a psychologist, child psychiatrist, a Family & Child Therapist or a Play Therapist.

By Pablee Wong is a Registered Play Therapist, Registered Marriage & Family Therapist and also a Registered Clinical Counsellor of BC. She is now practicing at the Burnaby Counselling Group.