Depression

ABOUT THE SPECIAL NEED:

THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN/PEOPLE AFFECTED: 2-3% of children ages 6-12 and 6-8% of teens may have serious depression.  

Over 2 million children between the ages of 6-17 have major suicidal thoughts annually.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DISEASE:

Depression is a type of mood disorder that causes children to be sad, discouraged, or irritable.  These symptoms can last from weeks to months or longer. Children with depression are usually critical of themselves and others and complain a lot.  Endogenous and exogenous depression are two major forms of depression. Endogenous depression occurs for no apparent reason It appears to be chemical and/or genetic. It is also often accompanied by feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and an inability to enjoy normally pleasurable things. Exogenous, or reactive, depression is usually triggered by some sort of stress such as the loss of one or both parents or a close family member or friend of the child. Examples of stress that cause depression are parents divorcing, arguing frequently, and loud screaming, changing schools, or moving.  In exogenous depression, the world appears to be dark and gloomy because of what’s going on in the child’s life, whereas in endogenous depression the world may seem to be dark and gloomy because of yourself.

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Depression can interfere with energy, concentration, sleep, and appetite.  There may be a loss of interest in Children with depression who have a hard time making an effort in doing things they used to enjoy.  Some children find it difficult to make an effort, even when doing things, they once enjoyed. Depression can make kids feel worthless, rejected, or unlovable. It can make everyday problems seem more difficult than they actually are. When depression is severe, it can lead kids to think about self-harm or suicide. They have feelings of worthless, rejection, or not being loved.  Depression may lead to suicide. 

 

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Loss of energy or increased fatigue

• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing)

• Feeling worthless or guilty

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Treatments

Always try to talk to your child about his mood.

See your pediatrician.