JESSICA KATWYK

Depression in Children

Mom Madison

Depression is uncontrollable sadness

Being in a long term funk.

Being alone and thinking negatively.

What is Depression?

Mom Madison

Negative AttitudeHard to be aroundLack of happinessCritical

Taking things very personal

Holding onto things

Effects

Mom Madison

Negative: Try to parent

Positive: Counseling – with child

Positive: Medication

Negative: Group Counseling

Positive: Counseling – with parent

Positive: Medication (does not want this to be long term)

Treatments

What is Depression?

a state of feeling sada serious medical condition in which a person

feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way

Difference Between Teen and Adult Depression

Irritable or angry mood – irritability, rather than sadness, is often the predominant mood in depressed teens. A depressed teenager may be grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts.

Unexplained aches and pains – Depressed teens frequently complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches. If a thorough physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, these aches and pains may indicate depression.

Extreme sensitivity to criticism – Depressed teens are plagued by feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure. This is a particular problem for “over-achievers.”

Withdrawing from some, but not all people – While adults tend to isolate themselves when depressed, teenagers usually keep up at least some friendships. However, teens with depression may socialize less than before, pull away from their parents, or start hanging out with a different crowd.

Symptoms

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex

Difficulty concentrating and complaints of poor memory

Insomnia or oversleepingAppetite changes, which may include weight gain or

lossFatigue, lack of energyThoughts of suicide or deathSlow speech; slow movements

ABOUT 2 .5% OF CHILDREN IN THE U.S. SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION. DEPRESSION

IS SIGNIFICANTLY MORE COMMON IN BOYS UNDER AGE 10 . BUT BY AGE 16 ,

GIRLS HAVE A GREATER INCIDENCE OF DEPRESSION.

Statistics

Effects

Addiction (video games, shopping, sex)Drug and Alcohol AbuseLow Self – EsteemProblems at schoolViolenceMay lead to self harm or suicide

The study's most disturbing finding was a high rate of suicide attempts and deaths. There were no suicide deaths among those who were not depressed in adolescence, while 7% of those who were depressed as kids killed themselves, and 34% attempted suicide.

This is not an isolated statistic. It's well known that depressed children are at high risk for suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds in the U. S.

How to help

Be understanding. Living with a depressed teenager can be difficult and draining. At times, you may experience exhaustion, rejection, despair, aggravation, or any other number of negative emotions. During this trying time, it’s important to remember that your child is not being difficult on purpose. Your teen is suffering, so do your best to be patient and understanding.

Encourage physical activity. Encourage your teenager to stay active. Exercise can go a long way toward relieving the symptoms of depression, so find ways to incorporate it into your teenager’s day. Something as simple as walking the dog or going on a bike ride can be beneficial.

How to help

Encourage social activity. Isolation only makes depression worse, so encourage your teenager to see friends and praise efforts to socialize. Offer to take your teen out with friends or suggest social activities that might be of interest, such as sports, after-school clubs, or an art class.

Stay involved in treatment. Make sure your teenager is following all treatment instructions and going to therapy. It’s especially important that your child takes any prescribed medication as instructed. Track changes in your teen’s condition, and call the doctor if depression symptoms seem to be getting worse.

Learn about depression. Just like you would if your child had a disease you knew very little about, read up on depression so that you can be your own “expert.” The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help your depressed teen. Encourage your teenager to learn more about depression as well. Reading up on his or her condition can help a depressed teen realize that he or she is not alone, giving your child a better understanding of what he or she is going through.

Treatments

Psychotherapy CounselingMedication

There is no long term studies to show how

medication effects childhood development. Bipolar disorder must be ruled out before a child is prescribed

antidepressants for depression or stimulants, as these can trigger mania.