Category Archives: Children

Child Mental Health

September 25, 2009

Depression and mental health problems don’t just affect adults; children and teenagers can develop mental illness too. According to the Office of National Statistics, around one in 10 children in the UK between the ages of 5 and 16 have a recognisable mental health problem and around 4 percent are suffering from anxiety and stress.

It can be difficult to diagnose a mental health problem in a child, partly because they may have difficulty expressing their feelings so cannot tell us what is going on, and partly because the symptoms are often attributed to something else, or the child is just being “difficult”.

One of the main things to look out for in your child is persistent sadness with the absence of any obvious reason. For example, it would be perfectly normal for your child to experience sadness and low moods after a family breakdown or bereavement but if this is severe or persists then it could be an early warning sign that your child is developing a mental health problem such as depression.

Other symptoms and early warning signs of a mental health problem in your child include:

•    Vague aches and pains, particularly headaches or tummy aches for which there is no obvious cause
•    Being unwilling to go to school and/or performing badly in school
•    Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
•    Having poor self esteem and low confidence
•    Becoming withdrawn and spending a lot of time alone or daydreaming
•    Changes in eating habits and sleeping patterns

It’s also important to note that just because your child displays some or even all of these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean they have a mental health problem. Only a qualified professional can diagnose a mental health problem in your child as they can take into consideration the full medical history of the child, current circumstances and evaluate the symptoms and rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms.

What causes mental health problems in children?

No one fully understands what causes mental health problems in general, or why they can occur in children. What is known is that genetics, biology, brain chemistry, environmental factors and life experiences can all play a contributory role.

Treating a child with mental health problems?

Once your child has been diagnosed with a mental health problem by a qualified medical professional, treatment will normally consist of some form of talking therapy perhaps in conjunction with anti-depressants depending on how severe the symptoms are.

You too can make a difference by ensuring that you give your child plenty of opportunity to talk about how they are feeling, even if they find it difficult to put it into words. Encourage your child to exercise and get outside regularly as this can have a positive effect on their mental health.

One of the most important things you can do for your child is to reassure the child that they are valued and cared for and to understand that their suffering is very real. Yes you will need patience and life will be difficult at times but with the right care and support within a loving and caring environment, the majority of children with mental health problems go on to make a full and complete recovery sooner rather than later.

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Does Your Child Have Depression

December 8, 2008

Child depression is a serious condition that requires treatment.  Children can be just as affected by depression as adults, and the consequences can be just as serious.

People mistakenly think that children are immune to depression or that they are just being moody.  It is true that children can experience sadness just as adults, but when that sadness persists then it may be something more.  It may be depression.

What You Should Know

Children can experience real cases of clinical depression.  This means that they cannot just return to their previous level of happiness and functioning on their own.  They require treatment because their condition is as serious as an adult case of clinical depression.

The symptoms may not all appear in the same form that they do in adults, but you will be able to perceive changes in mood and behaviour.  This depression can lead to poor school performance and, depending on the age of the child, may lead to alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or even suicide.

What You Can Do

Pay attention to your child.  Changes in behaviour usually mean something.  Take special note of strange behaviours, when they start happening, how often they happen, and how extreme they are.

Take your child to see a mental health professional to find out what is going on.  You may have your suspicions, but a mental health professional should be able to give you an objective viewpoint and, possibly, a diagnosis.

You can also seek out information on your own.  Learn as much as you can from books, web sites, and any other reliable source that you can get your hands on.  Find out as much as you can about possible treatments, especially any treatments that your mental health professional recommends.

Seek Support

Try to find other families and parents who are dealing with the same issues that you are.  Support groups are a great place to find this.  You can share your concerns, what has worked for you, and what has not.

Having people who understand your situation can do a lot to make you feel better and prepare you for the road to recovery.  You can learn what to expect as your child enters treatment.  You can understand that you are not alone.

Childhood depression needs to be taken seriously.  Maybe your child is having a bad day, but persistent sadness may be more.  Keep yourself informed, and you will know what to do if your child faces depression.

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Understanding Depression, Children, And The Impact Of The Condition On The Young

December 8, 2008

You may not think of depression as being a condition that can affect children, but it can.  Children can and are affected by depression much in the same ways adults are.  Symptoms may manifest differently in these depression children, but the condition is the same.  Learning as much as you can about this childhood condition will keep you prepared to identify it and seek help.

What Is It?

Childhood depression can take all the natural happiness out of a child’s life.  Children may get upset or sad, but these are transient states.  They are not meant to last for prolonged periods of time.  They are natural when they happen in response to life events, but even sadness caused by such events has a shelf life; feelings of sadness that last for weeks or even months may be a sign of something more.

Depression may even be present in young children.  You know your child, and you will know when something is wrong.  Still, you should familiarize yourself with the list of symptoms of depression in children.

General Symptoms Of Childhood Depression

Persistent sad or bored feelings may be an indicator of childhood depression.  A child losing interest in activities that once brought joy is a sign that indicates something may be wrong.

Like adults with depression, a child with this affliction may experience a change in weight and sleeping patterns.  These outward signs can help if you are unsure about emotional indicators.

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness are also telltale signs of depression.  Difficulty concentrating or deciding when presented with choices may warrant further observation as well.

Symptoms By Age Group

Younger children are likely to experience a loss in energy and become withdrawn.  They may have problems sleeping, too.

For grade school children, symptoms may manifest as headaches and stomach aches.  They may demonstrate the customary loss of interest with activities that is usually associated with depression.

Teenagers with depression may sleep for extended periods of time.  They may even talk and move slowly in addition to excessive sleeping.  This is not a conclusive test for depression, but can be used as one sign to look for.

Depression in children seems wrong somehow.  It is as if children should be insulated against this condition.  Sadly, this is not the case, but you can help.  By paying attention to changes in mood and behaviour in your children, you can recognize the signs and ensure that your child receives the necessary treatment.

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Childhood Depression Is A Very Real Phenomenon

December 8, 2008

Childhood depression may seem like an odd concept.  People like to think of depression as a more adult condition.  They think of it as a result of life circumstances or existential questioning.  Childhood seems like it should be insulated against a psychological condition such as this.

Separating genuine depression from the normal difficult periods associated with childhood may be difficult sometimes, but it is necessary.  Like the adult version, depression in children should be taken very seriously.

Children Feel it Too

Child depression is a very real phenomenon.  Sometimes children are not given credit for having many of the same capacities and vulnerabilities as adults.  Perhaps it is believed that their limited understanding of the world protects them from feeling depressed.  After all, what do children have to be depressed about?

While this question can be answered in many cases, other times it almost seems as though depression is not warranted.  Still, it happens.  Children are vulnerable to changes in brain chemistry just like adults and just like adults there can be many causes.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms that could possibly indicate the presence of depression in children.  The main point to remember is that you have an intimate knowledge of your child and what is or what is not normal behaviour for him or her.

As with any health problems, if you think something might be wrong then you want to get that checked out by a professional.

A few possible warning signs include a loss of interest in daily activities, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of sadness, a decreased energy level, and signs of hostility.  The most important thing is to pay attention when you feel something is not right with your child.  You know your child, and you will know when something is wrong.

Diagnosis

When you get your child evaluated by a medical professional you will want to know the diagnosis.  When you know and understand the diagnosis you can then learn about the treatment options.

It is necessary to find the right child mental health professional.  You will know when you have found one who gives the matter the attention it deserves and thoroughly answers all of your questions while addressing your concerns.  You can always get a second opinion if you do not feel you are getting the whole story.

Childhood depression is a very real and very serious condition.  By realizing that it exists, knowing the symptoms, and seeking out a diagnosis if you suspect that this is the case, you can protect and possibly save your child from this serious disorder.

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