Clinical Depression in Children

Child depression has been an overlooked problem, mainly since there are so many misconceptions that surround it. It is surprising to note that most adults have no idea that children can also suffer from depression. Actually, more myths surround child depression than adult depression, and it is not uncommon to see such myths finding credence-- even with those who deal with kids in the course of their professional work.

Adults somehow fail to appreciate the pressures that children face in modern society. The fact that most of us do not understand what teen depression is all about adds to preconceived notions about childhood. People believe that childhood is still a carefree time, devoid of worries and pressures. In fact, children have no means of exercising control over their lives. Teens are prone to weave a complicated web around their thinking process, mostly with perceptions of fallacious ideas of self and others, rather than reality. When teens are faced with pressures, it can be a very turbulent period in their lives, and there is a genuine threat that such pressures can lead to clinical depression.

Clinical depression is not periodical emotional dips, which almost every one of us feels now and then. Although it is the same set of feelings, it is more permeating, lasting, and can even be life-threatening. Teen depression is of much greater significance, since it has been empirically observed that people who are depressed as teens grow to become depressed adults. The roots of adult depression are in the critical phases of child development.

Child depression can manifest as behaviors and feelings that adults normally do not associate with it. It is easy to misinterpret genuine depression as the normal process of growing up, but the evolution of modern society has discarded the buffers provided by traditional cultural set-ups. Parents need to be aware of the possibility of child or teen depression, since it is a serious problem that is quickly increasing.

If child depression is left untreated, it can affect learning abilities, development of normal relationships with equals as well as with elders, self-esteem, and acquisition of skills. It can negatively impact the parent-child relationship, which is imperative for child development. The absence of a firm bond and trust with parent(s) can lead to substance abuse, disruptive behaviors, violence and aggression, and even suicide. Even minor episodes of depressive behavior should be addressed early and with care, because the disorder may manifest through work impairment, social isolation, and even suicide.

The most important aspect of providing teen depression help is to recognize the symptoms of teen depression. More often than not, parents tend to ignore disruptive behaviors in the classroom, or other such behaviors, due to a misplaced negative association with depression. The ground realities are actually different. In many instances, teenage depression occurs due to the perceived fears of the teen and is a result of misplaced worries. These are easily treated with parental and community support. Treatment of such mild depression only requires building a relationship of mutual understanding and trust with the child through patient listening and assurance that help is at hand.