Childhood Depression:
Early Intervention and Treatment

• Sudden changes in behavior



• Anxiety and worry out of proportion to the situation often herald the beginnings
  of depression or other more serious problems, check out worrywisekids for comprehensive information on childhood anxiety.



• Aggressive, angry or agitated behavior is often a symptom of depression in children
  and commonly unrecognized as such



• Depressed children may show increases in dangerous risk-taking behaviors



• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns often signal depression in children and adolescents.



• Depression can lead to lower self-esteem in children



• Giving up valued possessions and settling unfinished business is sometimes
  expressive of the hopelessness of children suffering from depression.



• Childhood depression often triggers withdrawal from friends, activities, and family



• Changes in dress or appearance



• Significant losses or family stress, if not attended to, can be a contributing factor in depression for some children.

• It is common to think that all families keep family secrets, and have 'special' relationships that involve extra privileges in exchange for uncomfortable
  touch or talk.



• Confusing and mixed feelings happen when this trusted adult, maybe a parent,
  singles you out for personal attention.



• After all, it is not unusual to believe that this is how children should learn
  about sex. You should "learn from someone who loves you", and who can keep you safe from strangers.



• A 'special child' may get to go on special trips alone with a parent,
  and feels important and valued.



• Parents may share personal information about one's relationship with the other.
  One may tell you how the other is not taking care of her needs.



• What if you find yourself defending one parent from the physical
  or verbal abuse of the other.

Childhood depression often results when these adults or older adolescents use their positions of authority to take advantage of innocent children and teens. The abuser might be a parent, a step-parent, a foster parent or an older friend or babysitter.

She might be a school teacher, Sunday School teacher or pastor. The victim might be a timid, fearful child, or a self-conscious teenager. A young person without close family ties can be at higher risk for childhood depression.

The foundations of trust are shattered, and the experience of childhood depression affects the rest of his life.

Childhood depression is like a lens that colors all future relationships.

Childhood depression prevents healthy trust of dependable and caring adults. It wears away at peer relationships, and creates a sense of shame.

From Shame to Hopelessness to Childhood Depression

Childhood depression may not get treated unless it presents problems for a troubled adult.

By this time, much damage has happened. Marriages and relationships have been broken, and many losses have occurred. The depression of the childhood experience has taken its toll. But it is never too late to seek treatment.

The Legacy of Abuse

Depressed children, for those who have suffered abuse at the hands of older teens or adults, commonly believe their situation is hopeless.

They are sure that no one could possibly value or love them after they have been so violated and tarnished.

When drugs and alcohol no longer numb the pain, suicide can look like a reasonable choice. Depression is a significant risk for substance abuse and suicide in children and adolescents.

• Unfortunately, in our society, we have to be suspicious of people who want to spend time with our children. We can't know who has suffered themselves from childhood depression or abuse.
• We can't afford to take chances, we must be ever watchful to protect our innocent children from people who would harm them.
• We cannot assume that someone is safe to be alone with our child, simply because of his or her position.

  These people can be found in the community, the school or the church. Children who experience depression are at increased vulnerability to predatory adults.

• What a shame that the many well meaning and trustworthy adults come under scrutiny.

  Many would contribute much to the lives of our children, but are unwilling to risk being perceived as predators.




• Adult volunteers, particularly men, are vulnerable to suspicion if they serve as youth leaders, early childhood educators, or coaches.

  The fact is, that many abusers seek jobs where they can be near children.




• The cycle of abuse, hopelessness, depression and potentially, suicide goes on right under our noses.

Grief in Children: How do they Handle Loss Experiences?

Losing someone to death may cause a flood of emotions that shock children and teens. It could just be brief or it might stick around a long time.

Each of us experiences grief differently, and we might go through many different emotions and thoughts. Childhood depression is not always a complication of grief.

Some people cycle through these emotions several times. Different occasions, experiences, or events can remind them of the loss.

Some who are experiencing denial or anger may want to rid themselves of possessions that remind them of the lost friend.

Some Helpful Suggestions for
Dealing with Depression in Childhood

• If loved ones can’t bear to look at certain objects, encourage them to put them away for a few weeks or months before deciding what to do with them.



• These mementos may be a source of comfort later. Encourage surviving friends and siblings to talk to each other about the event and about their reactions. This goes a long way to normalize grief and prevent children from becoming depressed.



• It's useful to share funny and happy stories about the friend’s life, too. This helps make the loss more real and helps make sense of the death by celebrating the life.



• Answer questions about how the death occurred, to the best of your ability . It is important to be honest, but pay attention to the age and the responses of the child.



• You can also sometimes ask the help of the deceased's family School counselors are trained to deal with depression as well as other issues such as grief and abuse.



• A child or teen can feel plagued by feelings of responsibility or “What ifs?” if a friend has died from suicide. Remind them that they are not responsible for the friend’s death. This misplaced responsibility is a setup for childhood-depression.



• Allow them to cry and shout if they need to do so. Childhood-depression may affect individuals in many ways.

  Some may find comfort in physical activity or completing hobby projects. Encourage friends to join with others and create a memorial.




• They could work to raise awareness about teen and childhood-depression or other mental illness that led to their friend’s death.



• Take care of yourself. You must maintain your own wellbeing to be of help to kids who are grieving. If you have suffered from childhood-depression, it is never too late to get help.




• Talking, praying, writing or composing music are some useful ways to remember and heal. Stay active and help youngsters to do the same. Depression in children can be averted if we remind them to seek adult guidance if they fear they are losing control.

Untreated childhood depression can increase the risk for development of suicidal thinking and behavior.

Comfort Your Heart with Sympathy Words