Depression in early childhood is very common these days, unfortunately. Mental health studies estimate that about 4% of children experience anxiety or depression, which accounts for up to 50% of all children who have mental health problems. It might be challenging for parents to determine if their child is depressed if it is simply a trait of their character or a completely normal phase of development.
That is why we are here to tell you about the most common causes of depression and the possible treatments and management options to overcome this condition.
About Depression in Early Childhood
Major Depressive Disorder, more commonly known as depression, is a severe medical condition that frequently affects people’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Sadness and a loss of interest in your hobbies are typical symptoms of depression. It can impair your ability to perform at work and at home and cause a number of other mental and physical issues too.
Depression is different from Sadness or Bereavement
The loss of a loved one, the termination of a job, or the dissolution of a relationship are all stressful events for a person to go through. It is common for people to experience melancholy or grief in response to such circumstances. People who have lost something frequently label themselves as “depressed.”
But being depressed is not the same as being sad. The grieving process is normal, particular to each person, and shares some characteristics with depression. Depression and bereavement both have the potential to cause extreme sadness and withdrawal from daily activities.
In addition, depression is different from grief in several key ways:
- When someone is depressed, unpleasant emotions frequently come in waves and for the majority of two weeks, interest in your daily routine activities is completely diminished.
- Self-esteem is typically challenged.
- Feelings of worthlessness and self-hatred are frequent in serious depression.
- Due to feelings of worthlessness, un-deservingness of life, or inability to handle the pain, thoughts of suicide are common in severe depression.
Depression and grief can both coexist. The grief that co-occurs with depression is more severe and lasts longer than the normal grieving process. Making the distinction between grieving and depression is important because it can help people get the support, care, or therapy their child may require.
Also read – 6 Causes of Depression That We Need To Control
What is the prevalence ratio for depression in early childhood?
According to CDC, data and statistics on mental health services showed that every 1 in 5 children suffers from depression.
What can be the Possible Signs of Depression in Early Childhood?
Typical signs of depression in early childhood are:
- Sadness or a persistently low mood
- Constant irritability or grumpiness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyable
- Constantly feeling worn out and exhausted
Your child may also
- Have trouble falling asleep or sleep more than usual
- Find it difficult to concentrate
- Interact less with friends and family
- Lack of confidence; eat more or less than usual
- Notice significant weight changes
- Unable to unwind or appear more drowsy than usual
- Express feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Feel empty or emotionally numb
In addition to depression, some kids struggle with anxiety. Some individuals also experience bodily symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. Problematic behaviors and issues at school may be indicators of depression in children and adolescents.
Have a look at Debunking Myths About Depression
Why your Child can be Depressed? 4 Domains to Manage
Your children may experience depression for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Genetic Vulnerability can be one Leading Factor in Depression
According to research, children whose parents experience depression are three times more likely to experience it themselves, pointing to a possible genetic connection.
People who suffer from depression can worry that they will pass the illness on to their offspring. Although depression may have a heritable component, genetics is not the primary determining factor.
Other factors can also contribute to its causes. Moreover, a child who does not have a family member with depression and is not genetically predisposed to the condition may also develop depression.
What are the management protocols to reduce the risk of depression in early childhood?
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- Give your child a healthful diet.
- Encourage them to do regular exercise.
- Ask them to get enough sleep.
- Develop a strong support system around them in which they can freely talk about things.
- Seek help from an expert.
2. Stressful and Traumatic life events can play a big role in making children depressive
A child may be affected in a significant way by stressful situations. A traumatic event may affect a child’s ability to learn healthy coping strategies for handling complicated emotions, which can occasionally lead to depression.
Household dysfunction, such as witnessing domestic violence or growing up with relatives who suffer from substance misuse problems and parental separation or divorce, are among some stressful and traumatic life events experienced by children. These early life stressors can deeply affect the mental health of children.
You should also read What You Should Do When You Are Depressed
How can you manage stressful situations in your child’s life?
i- Help kids feel safe, loved, and well-cared for
- The best method for reducing stress in your children’s lives is to let them feel close to you and to know that you love and accept them.
- Establish regular routines, such as going to bed at the same time, eating dinner with the family, or meeting up after school.
- Routines give children a sense of rhythm and reassure them that certain things will never change.
ii- Teach them coping skills
- Knowing that they can take care of themselves and reduce their stress helps kids feel better.
- Children of all ages can study and practice meditation and deep breathing. There are also other skills that can help them deal with stress in effective ways.
iii- Help them take a break from the stress
- Make time to play, create art, enjoy nature, read a book, practice an instrument, and spend time with loved ones.
- These pursuits go beyond simple enjoyment.
- They support young people in experiencing good feelings that counteract stress.
3. Another possible cause can be neurobiological factors
According to studies, abnormal hormonal levels, including those of the stress hormone – cortisol, can contribute to childhood depression too.
It has been discovered that the brain region required for emotional regulation differs in size in some children (this has been linked to maternal depression), and it is believed that this increases the likelihood that the child will experience depression.
What could be a possible treatment for hormonal regulation in early childhood to fight against depression?
- One possibility is the use of hormonal therapy. The intake of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can help your child to manage the hormonal abnormalities in their bodies.
- Other ways include the use of antidepressants to normalize the amount of dopamine (happiness hormone) in your child’s body. However, always consult a doctor before the use of any medication for managing these symptoms.
4. Environmental factors can also trigger Depression in your child’s life
Depression may be brought on by a death of a loved one, a divorce, academic demands, or social problems.
Each child is unique and will handle stressful situations in different ways, therefore not all children will be affected by these events in the same way. As a result, it is fairly common for only one sibling to experience depression after a traumatic family event.
Some children may have huge academic stress and this can lead them to face depression. Other than these environmental factors, your child may face bullying and emotional abuse at home or outside. These factors can be contributors to depression-prone personality.
You may read How To Fight With Your Own Depression?- Know 9 Easy Tips
How can you eliminate disturbing environmental factors leading to depression in your child’s life?
Changing schools to reduce bullying, academic stress, and leaving emotionally abusive relations is not always easy or possible. The good news is there are ways to support your children where they are now.
Below are some simple solutions.
Ways to Improve Your Current Environment
- Add more light to your home.
- Use a lighter hue when painting your space.
- Declutter or organize your space in a way that helps you and your child feel more focused or relaxed.
- Choose calm music or audio like the sound of the ocean or lavender scents to boost your child’s mood when they are in a stressful situation.
- Try using peppermint scent and brighter lights to stimulate your youngster if they are feeling lethargic.
When to seek immediate Mental Health Services for your Children?
It can occasionally be challenging to recognize the warning signs of mental health issues in kids and teenagers. But as a parent, you should immediately contact an expert to get assistance if you suspect a problem with your child’s mental health. Do an instant action because it is a matter of your children. Find the best psychologists in your city through the platform of Marham.
FAQs
1. How does depression affect early child development?
Children who grow up with mental illnesses may have significantly reduced brain development, with repercussions for both their learning capacity and for their own subsequent physical and mental health, according to research.
2. How do children act when they are depressed?
Children who are depressed may “complain a lot.” They could criticize themselves by saying, “I cannot do anything right.” “I have no guts,” “I am not able to do this”, and “It’s too challenging for me”. Your child will lack effort and energy too.
3. At what age do most kids get depressed?
According to studies, boys under the age of 10 have a much higher prevalence of depression. But by the age of 16, girls are more likely to experience this mental disorder.