by Maggi Thomas

Created on: June 15, 2009

Up until a few decades ago, you could never think about linking children with mental depression. Children were considered too small or just too immature to be depressed. Children were always happy as they had very few tensions and we, as their parents, would ensure that nothing too stressful intruded into their idyllic lives. They were never ever depressed.

Unfortunately, with changing times come changing rules of civilization!

We are now in the 21st century, and nowadays, depression among children is common. Doctors have now recognized mental depression in children as a clinical issue that is causing rising concern all over the world. More and more children are being recognized by doctors or psychiatrists as suffering from mental depression. According to the latest research by the Harvard Mental Health Newsletter, the depression level among children in America has risen by a whopping 23 % annually over the last few years. The most astonishing or terrifying fact that has emerged is that mental depression also affects preschoolers who are then prescribed antidepressants for long term treatment. This fact was recently released in a study carried out by the Psychiatric Services in April 2004.

What you should look for, in your child?

Parents should take the responsibility of being watchful of their child's behavior. Any unusual symptoms should be immediately recognized and noted. Parents should seek medical advice immediately if signs of the depression persist.

1. Toddlers or young children (usually 2-5 years of age) make depression symptoms evident through physical violence or aggression.

2. Sometimes throwing tantrums and sudden unprovoked aggression is also considered a primary indication of depression in children.

3. Children can complain of non-existent stomach aces, body aches, headaches and nightmares.

4. They often wet their beds at night.

5. A few children may be quiet or withdrawn and this may make it difficult to gauge their feeling or emotions.

6. Elder children or youngsters show different symptoms like disturbed eating habits and sleeplessness.

7. Symptoms like insomnia and restlessness may be present. They fall asleep very late and have trouble getting up. Sleep disorders can also aggravate a person's mood disorders and medical advice becomes necessary.

What can cause depression in your child?

1. Emotional issues can cause changes in the child's daily routines. A happy child who loves school but suddenly does not want to attend classes should be monitored closely. Parents should seek the help of the teacher to isolate the reason for the sudden reluctance. When a child is too stressed or depressed, his academics and behavioral attitude in school will change.

2. A sudden death, or suicide attempts in the family can shake a child but it will take the child some time to recover. Most children come to terms with the loss within a month or so anything more should be considered abnormal.

What can you do to support your child?

Children are not Gods, they are humans. They can be stressed or depressed if you put undue pressure on them. Talk to your youngster and try reading his mind. Show interest in his school as well as personal life and get to know him better. Communication is a key that can open the lock of "depression". Treat your child as your friend and make him feel wanted. Because the signs and symptoms of depression in a child cannot be identified easily and cannot be traced quickly, be alert, attentive and watchful and any noticeable change in routine or behavior should be dealt effectively.

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