Children are tired, irritable, sad, and lose interest in activities they once loved. These are symptoms that can signal depression.
According to the Vietnam Adolescent Mental Health Survey of the United Nations Children’s Fund, 1/5 of adolescents have mental health problems and just over 8% of them have accessed support services. or counseling for emotional and behavioral problems. In particular, just over 5% of parents with teenagers realize their children need help. Recognizing children’s mental health problems is very important, and is the basis for parents to come up with timely support plans for their children.
Can children get depression?
Children can also experience mental health problems, just like adults. According to Dr. Seb Thompson, psychologist at Cygnet Health Care (UK), the number of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years old diagnosed with mental illness has increased significantly recently.
Common mental health problems in this age group are anxiety and sadness, which can range from mild anxiety about a specific issue (like school) to mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders. anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attachment difficulties or depression.
Some other mental health conditions are less common but also begin in adolescence, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or eating disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or Tourette syndrome (rapid, sudden, repetitive muscle movements without rhythm including sounds or voices) , although not a mental illness, still requires special care.
Illustration of a baby’s sad state. Image: Usnews
What factors cause depression in children?
Mental health problems do not stem from a specific cause or easily identifiable factor. Instead, they are often the result of a combination of factors. The more adverse childhood experiences you have, the more likely you are to experience mental health difficulties.
Adverse childhood experiences are stressful events or situations that can damage a person’s sense of security, stability, connection, recognition, and appreciation. For example, suffering abuse or neglect, exposure to domestic violence, parental separation or family stress, exposure to drug use, etc.
Signs of depression in children
Rachel Melville-Thomas, a child and adolescent psychotherapist and spokesperson for the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP), says it’s important to pay attention when a child can’t get out of a situation. Prolonged sadness or bad mood, loss of interest in activities the child once enjoyed.
Children may often feel irritable and tired. If this condition lasts more than two weeks, it could be a sign of depression. Teenagers with depression often do not express their emotions clearly but just feel uninterested or empty. Depression is also often accompanied by a lot of anxiety and can cause children to change their eating and sleeping habits.
Dr. Thompson recommends that when worried about a child’s psychological condition, parents and caregivers should observe whether the child shows signs of limiting or avoiding communication, changes in eating and sleeping habits, or has other symptoms. new behavior to cope with stress does. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to see if there are any changes in the child’s way of thinking.
Mr. Thompson emphasized that children and adolescents are always in the process of developing and reaching important milestones according to their age. Symptoms during growing up are normal. However, if something doesn’t feel right, it could be a sign that needs attention.
Distinguish between depression and normal feelings of sadness
Children can often explain why they feel sad, such as losing a loved one or having problems with friends or school. If your child can’t figure out the reason for his or her sad feelings, it could be a sign of depression.
Depressed teens often avoid social contact and do not want to participate in family activities. Observing how long your child has been feeling this way and when was the last time he or she actually felt happy can help identify the problem.
Children also often have difficulty describing unclear emotions. Or depression manifests through physical health problems such as headaches, menstrual disorders or continuous, prolonged abdominal pain.
Families help children overcome depression
Melville-Thomas emphasizes the importance of listening and appreciating what children and young people have to say. Parents and caregivers should trust their intuition when they notice something is wrong. Children need to be well cared for, ensure they get enough sleep, eat healthily and are encouraged to share their thoughts.
When you are worried about depression in your child, the first thing is to take your child to see a doctor. Depending on the condition, children may be guided to participate in psychotherapy, encouraged to express thoughts through talking, playing, or cognitive behavioral therapy to change negative thoughts. Medication may also be considered if needed.
Parents also need support when facing difficulties in taking care of their children. There are many support groups available to provide comfort and helpful advice. Remember, taking care of yourself is important in order to take care of others, and the same is true for parenting.