Child gloom and panicky spells—handling them

Depression is a psychological disorder caused by changes in the chemistry of the brain and which negatively affects the overall demeanour of a person.

Contrary to past studies where depression was rarely diagnosed in children, recent increase in cases of depression amongst children has prompted those in the medical field to put more thought in the phenomenon. Anxiety and depression in children tend to go hand in hand and in a lot of cases doctors often diagnose anxiety as an emotive and underlying cause of depression. Doctors will agree that recognising anxiety in your child is just as important as knowing if your child is depressed.

Anxiety in children, just as in adults, best manifests itself in the form of extreme fear. It causes one to experience an overwhelming sense of fear, causing extreme reactions from that person. These reactions may exhibit themselves in the form of physical symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breathe, choking and smothering sensations when faced with the object of fear. If this fear is not dealt with, it may hinder those affected from going on with their life in a normal way and may completely alter their mental state if left to persist.

For instance, a child who has to join a new school may face issues of separation from his or her primary care givers, leading to anxiety. If the child fails to adjust accordingly, this anxiety may cause them to view the school as a hostile environment which they cannot relate to. If forced to attend school, the child may become withdrawn, start feigning disinterest in school all of which are symptoms of depression.

Causes

Several causes have been identified as contributing to the increasing rate of depression in children. Studies have shown that the mental stability of a child has been linked and seen to be highly dependent on that of the parents and surroundings. How parents carry themselves and relate with their child and the environment they expose them to will play a crucial role in their mental health. Poor parenting skills such as verbal and physical abuse, parental arguments in front of children, lack of proper supervision, emotional abuse such as demeaning the efforts of the child are all contributing factors to an increase in anxiety and depression in children. Traumatic events such as abandonment by one parent, death or witnessing something bad—say a physical fight between parents, may also cause a child to become depressed.

Signs and symptoms of depression in children

■ The child may experience a general feeling of sadness. They may cry easily.

■ Loss of pleasure or interest whereby a child will reject an offer to participate in an activity, which they’ve always enjoyed in the past. They may also be less active and playful than usual.

■ The child may become anxious, tense, and panicky. The source of their anxiety may well give you a clue to what’s causing their depression.

■ The child may also feel worried and irritable. They may brood or lash out in anger as a result of the distress they are feeling.

■ Depressed children may experience feelings of failure, contributing to a general feeling of guilt hence see themselves as worthless.

■ Changes in appetite or weight. Many people with depression find that their appetite either decreases or increases. Children who usually have a healthy appetite may suddenly lose interest in eating. Children may also respond in the opposite, by eating too much to ‘self-medicate’ their feelings.

■ Children with depression may have erratic sleeping patterns. They might find it difficult falling asleep and staying asleep once they do.

■ Children with depression may become isolated. They may withdraw from friends and family.

■ Clinging and demanding. The depressed child may become more dependent on some relationships and behave with an exaggerated sense of insecurity.

How parents can deal with depression and anxiety

First and most important, if you notice symptoms of depression in your child, it is important to seek the help of a professional. However, doctors agree that helping your child with depression and anxiety is not just a job for doctors and therapists. You can play an important role in your child’s recovery.

How? Diagnosing depression and anxiety amongst children may not be as easy as in adults. This can be attributed to the fact that unlike adults who can easily say they are depressed, children lack the cognitive ability to fully apprehend what they may be experiencing hence are not able to articulate their thoughts easily. The child is oblivious to what he or she is going through. It is in such moments that the role of the parent becomes crucial. Parents paying close attention should be able to assess behavioural and mood changes in their child and to tell whether they are temporary—in which case passes after a short period of time. If the problem is long term, it will require specialised attention.

Positive reinforcement when a child is anxious over something may go a long way. For instance, as noted earlier with children dealing with separation issues, words of encouragement may show your child that the school environment may not be as bad as they imagine.

Providing a good environment for your child to grow up in has also been seen to contribute to good mental health. As a parent, take note of your own mental state and act accordingly as children tend to emulate what they see in their parents. Try to talk to them and share in their thoughts, encourage them to go for camps and bible school where they can interact with other children. These group activities will help your child get a lot of strength to fight childhood depression.

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