Childhood Depression:
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Identify the symptoms of child depression...
the child you help may be your own.
Learn some of the factors in childhood depression.

Childhood depression is not easy to diagnose because young children find it difficult to clearly express what they are feeling.

As such, especially in children age three to seven look out for telltale signs of depression.

Depression in children is exhibited differently depending on their age group, but the following are sure signs:

• Excessive shyness, especially in a previously outgoing child
• Often looking dreamy
• Start wetting their bed
• More than normal complaints of feeling ill: stomach aches, headaches
• Not wanting to go to school and poor behavior and grades
• Moodiness
• Strange interest in death
• Becoming listless or hyper energetic

This list is by no means comprehensive.
Also, follow your gut instincts; if you feel that something isn't right with your child discuss it with someone.

Childhood depression can be very difficult to treat.

When antidepressants are administered to children there is an increase risk of suicidal thoughts. Medical experts believe that the benefits far outweigh the risk.

It is believed that with proper monitoring by parents, children can use antidepressant medication without any ill effects.

Counseling (psychotherapy) can also be used to help sufferers of child depression.

Most importantly, once you notice any of the signs of depression listed above, seek the assistance of a medical practitioner.

Once they are diagnosed and early treatment received, children can be saved from years of suffering. If left untreated, childhood depression can last into adulthood.

Back from Childhood Depression
to Depression Help Treatment

Dealing with Depression Advice

Establishing goals

Establishing goals can be extremely helpful in fighting depression because they are tangible, measurable results.

Set up a few very small goals for each day, and then set some for three months, six months, one year, and five years.

Outlined in "Conquering Stress," by C.J. Green, this method is designed to help you see that goals really are attainable, and help you let go of the hopelessness that comes with the feelings of depression.

If we feel as if everything's hopeless, we seldom work toward future goals, which create a vacuum we live in and can not get out of; we sit and watch our lives passing us by.

Goals are important for one's sense of well being.