Childhood depression presents parents and caregivers a unique conundrum, not because of its rarity, but because of the difficulty in accurately diagnosing it and the stigma attached to it. The thinking goes that children cannot be depressed because they have nothing to be depressed about, but a 2009 study found that children as young as 3-years-old can suffer from depression. Such thinking mischaracterises the nature of the affective disorder, and discounts the biological, psychological and social, or environmental, inputs that can give rise to its incidence in children.
Diagnosing depression in children is challenging because symptoms vary across different developmental stages, and sometimes do no present in a straightforward manner as they would in adults. Some children may not even exhibit the sadness or withdrawal typical of the disorder. There is, however, consensus that of the varied symptoms a child may exhibit, which we unpack in more detail below, those symptoms need to be exhibited together for longer than a 2-week period. The duration is key as children who do not suffer from depression may exhibit the same symptoms, but are ultimately able to bounce back, whereas children with depression aren't. The tendency for symptoms to persist and interfere with different areas of a child’s life is usually indicative of depression.
What causes depression?
As we mentioned above, a range of factors can cause depression. These can be biological, such as an inherited trait passed down from parents to children, psychological, such as those caused by the effects of a traumatic event or bereavement, or social, such as neglect or bullying.
In most instances, major depression is the result of a combination of any of the factors listed above.
Signs and symptoms
In addition to persistent feelings of sadness and visible withdrawal from others, depression in children can show up in physical ways, too. This can sometimes take the form of headaches or stomach aches that don’t respond to treatment. Children who suffer from depression may at times express feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness and may express a desire to die.
Other tell-tale signs include low energy, irritability, lack of enjoyment derived from doing things they once enjoyed, and poor academic performance.
Less common symptoms include:
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in their eating pattern, and subsequent fluctuations in weight
- Indecisiveness
- Excessive lethargy or an inability to relax
If you suspect your child may suffer from depression consult a mental health professional or call a South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) counsellor from 8am-8pm, Monday-Sunday, on 011 234 4837.
IMAGE CREDIT: Katherine Chase via Unsplash