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Nowadays the word depression has been trivialized, any expression of sadness or difficulty in life, is already considered a depressive manifestation. In fact it is a very serious disease and must be properly treated, because it directly interferes in the person’s daily life and routine. In the case of adults, it is easier to be identified, but in children it is usually more difficult to notice any symptoms of childhood depression.
Childhood depression directly affects the child’s mood, sleep, food and develops symptoms such as severe headaches, bad mood and decreased interest in activities that please him so much. It is a psychological change that leads the child to feel a deep sadness, and they end up closing and isolating themselves from people due to their lack of confidence and low self-esteem. Many problems can be generated in the life of a child suffering from childhood depression, such as hyperactivity, drop in school performance, aggression towards friends and family and even suicidal thoughts. This increases the number of complaints at school and the distance between friends. There may be several reasons for the cause of childhood depression, including this separation from parents, change of address and especially school,
What Are the Symptoms and Treatment for Childhood Depression?
In addition to the symptoms already mentioned in this text, normally children who suffer from childhood depression begin to show nervous tics, constantly complain of pain in the body and cry a lot. Another very common fact to occur in these cases is that the child regresses and starts to pee and coconut on the bed and despairs when seeing the fact. There are cases of children who end up developing anorexia during the disease and when they reach extreme situations of the disease, they attempt suicide. That is why parental attention is extremely important and if you notice any of the symptoms, a specialist should be sought so that the case does not get worse.
The diagnosis is made under the symptoms reported by the parents and presented by the child and must be evaluated by a specialist. In this case, a child psychologist or psychiatrist should be sought for analysis and initiation of appropriate treatment. An important fact to note is that the disease can appear in children from 4 years of age. The treatment of childhood depression is carried out through psychotherapy or psychoanalysis, and the use of antidepressant drugs is only indicated in extreme cases where there is no result in sessions with a psychotherapist. The medication is not recommended for use in children aged 4 to 8 years, being administered only from 9 years of age when necessary.
In order to avoid major problems and worries, it is essential that parents are in full contact with the school and the children’s teachers, to be aware of their behavior, school performance and also alert to their children’s life in general. When you notice any different symptom, try to know the reasons and do not let and wait for childhood depression to arrive and further aggravate the situation. Many children have difficulty expressing themselves, letting go of what they are feeling and cannot ask for help and it is through the symptoms that call attention and ask for help for something that is happening.
Many situations can be avoided if parents follow their children’s growth more closely, not only preventing childhood illness but also future problems, especially in adolescence, which is already such a complicated phase. And if not treated properly, it can generate an adult full of problems and carry the burden of depression for the rest of his life.
See also: Child With Fear – How to Face This Situation?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
