Introduction

• Children are no exception to face emotional problems
• Mood changes can present as sadness, fear, anger or behavioral problems
• Children at risk of developing depression include those:
  • Experiencing stressful situations e.g. parental rejection
  • Experiencing loss e.g. death of a family member
  • Having a family member with a history of depressive illness
  • Having childhood psychiatric problems such as Attention deficit hyperactive disorder, Learning disorder, Anxiety disorder, Substance abuse and Early conduct disorder

What are the signs of depression?

Changes may manifest in:

1. Behaviour
   • Sadness, tearfulness or crying episodes
   • Isolation
   • Anger or hostility
   • Strained relationship
   • Frequent absences from school
   • Wanting to run away from home
   • Self destructive behaviour
2. Mood / Emotion /Thinking
   • Sense of misery
   • Poor concentration
   • Low self worth
   • Feeling hopeless or helpless
   • Feeling bored
   • Sensitive to remarks or rejection
   • Irritability
3. Physical changes
   • Low energy level
   • Change in sleep or eating patterns
   • Physical complaints like headache, stomachache etc.
   • Weight changes

When should one call for help?

It is advisable to seek help when the:

• Child continues to feel low or unhappy 
• Child experiences persistent loss of joy
• The negative emotions interfere with daily functioning

Can depression lead to other problems?

Depression in childhood may lead to:

• Interference with normal progress of growing up
• Interference with functions e.g:
  • Learning
  • Forming relationship with family members, friends or teachers
• Serious behavioral problems e.g. conduct disorder
• Substance abuse to get comfort e.g. tobacco, alcohol, drugs
• Risk of self harm
• Risk of suicide

Can we do anything to help the child?

• Early detection and diagnosis are important
• Psychological support must be provided to help the child
  • Learn positive thinking. Guide the child to examine and correct negative thought patterns and erroneous negative belief about self.
  • Cope positively with life events, changes, fear, anger, frustrations etc
  • Develop positive social skills
• Counseling is also necessary for the
  • Individual
  • Family
  • School
• Antidepressant medication may be prescribed by a Psychiatrist

Can depression be prevented?

Much can be done to provide a positive environment for a child. For e.g.:

• Help the child deal with life events positively
• Gives him psychological support when he faces problems
• Provide accepting, warm, responsive and trusting relationship
• Set a good example, provide guidance and monitoring
• Provide a warm, harmonious environment