First and foremost if you feel your child is suffering from depression professional help should be considered.
In this article titled Recognizing Depression in Children we will be exploring the potential cause of depression in children, a few signs of depression in children, and factors which may be contributing to their depression. The question as to whether events cause depression or whether depression leads to events is one that may never be answered to the satisfaction of most experts. The truth is that the precise cause of depression is unknown but recent research suggests that imbalances in specific brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) seem to be at the core of the depression. It is also important to recognize that depression tends to run in families, adding a genetic component to the mix, and is influenced by non biological events such as stress, loss, trauma, or the feeling of being left out or neglected.
The incidence of depression in children and young adults is growing at an alarming rate. The causes of depression in children are the same as they are for adults. Children feel sad, experience low self esteem, experience feelings of prolonged sadness, and struggle with concentration or focus. Depressed children are often short tempered, irritable, and overly moody.
Six often seen signs of depression in children are:
*Generalized physical woes, such as headaches and stomachaches
*Withdraws from previously enjoyable social activities
*A drop in grades
*Unusually harsh reaction to criticism or rejection
*Exhibits risky behavior
*Poor school attendance
If you suspect your child might be showing the above signs of depression it should be taken seriously and isn't a normal component of childhood.
Let's move on and ferret out situations that might be contributing to your child's possible depression.
Unless your child is being homeschooled they spend the majority of their lives outside the security of the family home. this fact alone subjects a young impressionable mind to many circumstances and events that could prove to be either productive life lessons or major sources of depression.
Five possible triggers for depression in children:
*Social rejection
*Conditions that interfere with learning such as ADHD
*Bullying at school
*Unidentified health problems such as blood sugar issues
*Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse (unknown by the family)
In summary, the list above is an important tool in recognizing depression in children. by identifying the cause or contributing factors you may be able to give your doctor the invaluable information needed to treat the condition effectively.
Additionally, many parents are considering the use of natural remedies for mild to moderate depression. these natural treatments for depressionare very safe and have been shown to be effective in supporting both emotional and mental health and are option worth considering.
Recognizing Depression in Children

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"there has to be certain brain chemicals that are conscious."
Uh, NO. Consciousness is an emergent property of a large prefrontal cortex regrading self-awareness. Chemicals have no 'self' or mind.