Childhood depression is a serious mental condition that generally affects many children at a tender stage and has a lasting impact on them if left untreated. It is quite different from normal emotional ups and downs, which are always linked to a constant feeling of sadness, a feeling of hopelessness or a total lack of interest in play activities that the children used to enjoy. To understand if your child is going through depression, it is important to understand childhood depression, complete with its symptoms and what you can do to help your child during such stressful times.
Depression is a much more serious and permanent feature of childhood than just sadness and irritability. It becomes a mood disorder that modifies cognition, mood and behavioral expression in a child. Such children may also think negatively about themselves and what lies ahead. They may also experience problems with learning, social connections and daily functioning. This condition manifests in different ways in children and adults, making it important for parents to keep a watchful eye to identify the signs.
Sign and Symptoms of childhood depression
Recognizing symptoms and signs well ahead of time is the most important thing in the case of childhood depression as it can help to apply appropriate interventions in time. Symptoms of depression in children can include a constant feeling of sadness and low mood, irritability or aggression in daily activities, losing interest in things they enjoy doing, and having trouble focusing or making decisions.
Many physical symptoms should also be considered as signs to correctly recognize childhood depression. These can be changes in appetite, whether you overeat or eat less, excessive sleep or too little sleep and not spending time with friends and family. If the child complains of severe headaches that do not seem to have any medical basis and has a constant stomach ache, it may qualify as a sign of childhood depression. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it may be an indication that the child is experiencing depression.
Causes/risk factors for childhood depression
Several factors can trigger childhood depression such as problems within the family, such as divorce or money that will create an unstable environment for children. Also bullying at school, the trauma of childhood abuse, losing a loved one, etc. can also contribute to childhood depression. A family history of depression or other types of mental stress makes it possible to develop depression as a child. In some cases, the reason behind the development of depression among children remains a mystery, which can often be seen as genetic as well as a result of environmental stress.
Long-term problems
Unaddressed childhood depression can result in serious, lasting effects. These effects can manifest as difficulties with academics, barriers to making connections with others, and the development of additional mental health problems such as anxiety disorders. The longer untreated depression continues in a child, the greater the chance it will affect different areas of their life and potentially result in long-term mental health problems in adulthood.

Seek professional help
Consult a professional therapist to know what is best to do to help a child who is showing signs of depression. Early interventions are very important because seeing a mental health professional can be a child’s first step towards proper treatment. The psychiatrist can determine the child’s mental status and, if necessary, recommend therapy or counseling. When you are worried about how the child is struggling in daily tasks, it becomes immediately relevant to seek intervention from professionals.
Tips for parents to support their children
To help your child get through depression, it’s important to discuss feelings and emotions freely. Let your child know that it is safe to express their feelings without judgment. A simple way to achieve this is to have regular conversations about mental health. This reduces stigma and makes children feel safe when discussing their feelings. Speaking is a step forward, but it shouldn’t be the end. Resilience in the child should be developed by becoming a model for developing resilience as a parent. Helping the child build coping strategies, such as a growth mindset, is likely to make it easier for them to deal with stress and adversity.
In addition, encouraging healthy habits such as eating healthy foods, regular physical activity and adequate sleep can significantly affect general mental well-being.
There are several resources available to parents who are willing to seek additional support.
Psychiatrist – Parents can seek help from their local psychiatric expert who specializes in child psychology. This would help determine the child’s condition and thereby provide the appropriate intervention that suits the child.
Support Groups – Parents can join local or online support groups where they can share experiences and gain insights from others facing the same issues. Such groups can provide a sense of comfort by providing a space to express feelings and frustrations, which can help foster a sense of support.
(By- Dr. Arvind Otta, senior psychologist and mental health activist)