This site is for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.

     Childhood is supposed to be a happy, carefree time.  So why have we included a page on Teen and Childhood Depression?  Well, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as 'one in every five children experience a significant episode of depression.'  Severe depression is the most common factor in teen suicides.  Research shows that as many as 8 percent of adolescents attempt suicide and over the past 30 years completed suicides have increased by as much as 300 percent! The statistics are frightening.

 

 

    So what causes Teen or Childhood Depression?  There are actually a number of things that may be involved.  One key trigger may be a loss of a family member, friend or even a pet. This loss doesn't always have to involve death.  It could be the loss of a parent through divorce.  It could also mean moving to a new city or school and leaving behind their friends or other loved ones.  All of this can make a child or teen feel they've lost the comfort and security they once had.  Such a loss can bring about a chemical imbalance in the brain which often causes depression.

     There are other things that can bring about depression in a teen or child.  The normal physical and emotional changes that come with puberty, loneliness, child abuse or overly critical parents, children living in homes where there is constant tension between the parents, failure to live up to the parent's expectations, neglected children or even children whose parents smother them or are overprotective can all bring about depression.  Other things such as; poor nutrition, substance abuse, heredity and even certain medications can all be factors.  Even children with learning disabilities are prone to depression.  So there are quite a number of possible causes, but how can you tell if a teen or child has depression and how can they be helped?

     Many times it's difficult to identify depression in children or teens because the sufferer may also have other symptoms such as pain, headaches, insomnia, anorexia or bulimia, constipation or fatigue.  One of the best ways to tell if a teen or child is depressed is if they find no pleasure in anything anymore.  They no longer want to spend time or play with friends or relatives.  They've lost concentration, feel worthless, experience disruptive sleep patterns, feel rejected by everyone, have a loss of appetite, have feelings of guilt and talk about wanting to die. 

     Another reason why it may be difficult to tell if a child is depressed or not is because children try to hide their depression by not admitting it or by disguising it.  Many youths keep their troubles to themselves.  They are afraid that if they turn to their friends they will be made fun of.  So instead of letting it all out, they keep it bottled up inside till it eats at them.  Some then turn to drugs, alcohol, illicit sex, stealing or other delinquent behavior.  These are just some ways they try to disguise how badly they feel and hide their depression.

     The best way to help a teenager or child who is depressed is to get them to open up.  Give them a chance to ventilate their feelings.  If you are a parent of a depressed child, always speak to them with kindness and love.  Don't belittle their sadness.  Let them know you are there for them and want to help.  Make time for them.  Do fun things together one on one.  Let them know they are loved and appreciated.  Don't just assume they know.  Show them.  Gain their trust.  Never give the person up as being beyond help.  There may be times where you may need to be affectionately firm in helping them, since their thinking may be confused.  Nevertheless, always try to be patient and understanding.  Praise them and give them the emotional support they desperately need.  By doing these things you will show you care and will help them immensely on their road to recovery.

     Most experts advise that victims of depression should receive professional help because of the danger of suicide.  The victim may also need prescription medication or talk therapy.  In many cases, a combination of medication, individual therapy and also family group therapy are needed to assist the depressed child.

     Many teens often feel like they are cut off from the world, lonely, useless and empty inside.  If you are a teen experiencing these feelings.  NEVER  feel you are alone.  There is help for you.  Talking to others and really pouring out your heart is one of the best ways to cope.  You may not think so but simply opening up  and confiding in an empathetic confidant can be a healing process and provide great relief.  Try it.  There is always someone to turn to.  If you feel you can't go to your parents, talk to another relative or let one of your friends know, or better yet one of your teachers or other counselors at school.  With the proper help and treatment, you  CAN  be happy again.  Take that step in the right direction.  Do it for yourself, you ARE  worth it!!  Good luck to you.