Yes, young children can REALLY suffer from depression!

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, which was created to help break the stigma around mental health conditions and encourage sufferers to seek help. Studies show that three percent of kids between pre-school age and 17-years-old suffer from depression. Children as young as six years old have been diagnosed with depression. According to SADAG statistics, up to 20 percent of children will suffer from depression in their school years.

Coronavirus chaos

The recent pandemic has caused a lot of upheaval and stress in families around the world. Many are dealing with huge economic pressures, and this can take its toll on parents as well as kids. While children may not know exactly what’s going on, they will sense when their parents are struggling to cope. It is highly likely that children become depressed when they experience stressful events or live in a stressful environment. Their natural coping skills have also been affected. With schools being closed, kids haven’t had the comfort of ‘hanging out’ with their peers and playing outside.

How do parents or teachers know when there’s an issue?

Sadness and unhappiness are normal feelings for children to experience. But when these feelings are prolonged, and if they are often experienced, then there’s a cause for concern. Some of the symptoms teachers and parents should look out for as published in the DSM-V are:

• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Low self-esteem – feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
• A change in sleeping patterns Changes in weight
• Unusual sadness or increased irritability that persists even when circumstances change
• Feelings of guilt and anger
• Low energy
• Academic success deterioration
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of suicide
• Children with depression may not necessarily experience all these symptoms. But if several of the symptoms are present for at least two weeks, it can be suggested to be depression.  

How is depression treated in young children?  

Just as with adults, there are a number of ways that a child’s depression can be treated. The most recommended treatment for children would be psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy. This kind of therapy focuses mostly on talking about feelings and thoughts and how they impact one’s behaviour. Play therapy is also a great way for kids who are not that verbally equipped to do talk therapy. Prescribed medication should be used “cautiously”. However, some children are given antidepressants together with psychotherapy for the best results.  

How can parents support a child suffering from depression?  

Your child needs emotional support, and you need to be their number one person. Here are a few tips: Spend quality time with your child Encourage open and honest conversations Listen to what your child has to say Acknowledge their inner struggles Inspire your child to join a club at school, or attend activities to boost their connection with other people Encourage playdates  

Where to find help: Cipla SADAG Mental Health Line 0800 4567 789 or WhatsApp 076 88 22 775 For a suicidal Emergency: 0800 567 567 Find a Support Group in your area 0800 21 22 23.