Depression Awareness In Children and Adolescents

Depression awareness in children and adolescents is definitely a concern for parents. according to the Center for Mental Health Services one in every 33 children may have depression and a staggering one in every 8 adolescents may have depression. most people can recognize the symptoms of depression in adults such as sadness and loss of interest in pleasurable activities. however, not many parents are aware that the symptoms of depression appear differently in children and adolescents. Children and adolescents may feel sad and hopeless, but they will also complain of headaches, stomach aches, become irritable and act out. Depression awareness of children and adolescents is something parents need to pay attention to.

When a child acts out parents may only see the behavior problem rather than the underlying problem. Depression is not merely just feeling sad or having a bad day. it is a serious but common illness that can affect ones body and mind. this disease affects individuals ability to function properly and feel pleasure, it also causes physical ailments as well as a withdrawal from activities and other people. it is not possible for children and adolescents with depression to just grow out of it they should have help from a professional like their physician or mental health professional.

When depression awareness slips by the parent children and adolescents go untreated which can have devastating effects. The use of drugs, failure in school, suicidal thoughts and even suicide can occur. The third leading cause for death in adolescents aged 15 to 24 is suicide and it is the sixth leading cause for children 5 to 14 years of age.

Parents usually think that suicide is something that happens to other families and not theirs. Suicidal thoughts do not discriminate and the background of the child does not matter nor does it happen with just problematic children. When depression goes untreated living a normal life seems impossible, the escape from the pain through suicide to them seems the only way out.

Depression is very treatable through professional help and most who do seek help are successfully treated. The key to getting help starts with depression awareness by parents and having access to help. The earlier the problem is treated the more effective the treatment can be. Treatments include psychotherapy, psychiatric medications and peer support groups.

Depression Awareness In Children and Adolescents

Did you like this? Share it:
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Leave a Reply