The short answer is, yes, kids can absolutely get depressed. Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that can affect anyone, from children to adults. Although depression is more often found in adults, it can also manifest in childhood, affecting even our youngest citizens.
Depression is defined by more than just being sad. It is a medical condition that affects the way you think, feel, and behave. Childhood depression can be somewhat different from adult depression. Children can usually be in other moods besides sad or down. Alternatively, they may appear easily-annoyed or lose interest in previously enjoyable activities. They may also be unable to focus, feel exceedingly tired, or have alterations in their sleeping or eating behaviors and they need motivation just to get out of bed or eat. Other times, they might seem to believe they are “bad” which can be accompanied by talk about killing themselves.
As depression has been talked about more openly in recent years — with so many adult celebrities coming forward with their stories supporting mental health awareness campaigns — we know better than ever that kids can get it. But depression can be difficult to detect in children as they cannot always explain their emotions, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on them. Remember, this not just a phase or something kids can “snap out of.” Children who experience depression need help and treatment simply like a grown-up.
Some of the reasons why kids can become depressed may be due to several factors:
- Negative life events: school-related troubles, bullying, family issues
- One example would be a child who is being bullied at school has begun to feel as if they are worthless and that there is no longer any positivity in life.
- Massive life transitions such a parent’s divorce or the death of a family member
- Genetic factors: depression can run in families
- Social media impact: increased peer comparison and cyberbullying
The good news is that depression in kids is highly treatable. Parents, teachers and all other adult in a child’s life needs to be aware of symptoms of depression and by doing so, these individuals can help identify a child suffering from depression as early as possible. Open communication is key. Children need to know they can share their feelings and not be labelled as weird or stupid. If a child shows signs of depression, then the kid should be checked by mental health specialist like psychologist or counselor. Mental health is just as important as physical wellbeing, and ensuring children are emotionally balanced goes a long way in keeping them contented in life. But the key is to keep spreading knowledge and aid for kids affected by this malady.
If you think your child might be struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to talk to reach out to us at Arbor Wellness. We will help identify the issues and develop a plan to support your child’s well-being.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/children-depressed-signs/
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/understanding-depression.html?ref=search
https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/depression-in-children-and-adolescents-vs-adults-recognizing-the-differences/
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/bullying/effects
https://med.stanford.edu/depressiongenetics/mddandgenes.html
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/social-media-and-mental-health-in-children-and-teens
https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/01/trends-improving-youth-mental-health
https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2022/03/24/research-update-childrens-anxiety-and-depression-on-the-rise/
https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-children
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health/what-is-depression
https://www.chop.edu/health-resources/parents-tips-talking-your-child-about-mental-health
