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Is Your Child Struggling with Depression? Recognize the Signs Early

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Depression isn’t just feeling down—it’s a serious mental health condition that can drain your energy and make even the simplest tasks seem impossible. When children and teens experience these symptoms, it’s called childhood depression. If your child is suddenly irritable and can’t focus on their homework, it might not just be typical growing pains—they could be dealing with something more serious.

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Poomstock-shutterstock.com

Parents take note: childhood depression is on the rise worldwide, and the numbers are concerning. Studies show that depression cases among 6 to 11-year-olds increased by 92% from 2018 to 2022. Teens are not far behind, with a 57% increase in the same period. This is a cause for concern.

Do you think your child might be depressed? Look out for these warning signs: losing interest in favorite activities, being excessively irritable instead of sad, struggling to sleep at night, losing appetite, or disengaging during class. If these sound familiar, it might be time to consult a professional.

Dr. Kim Jae Won, a child psychiatrist at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, emphasizes that childhood depression often doesn’t occur in isolation. It can be accompanied by other issues such as ADHD, conduct disorders, and anxiety. That’s why getting a proper diagnosis from an expert is essential.

Don’t dismiss your teen’s mood swings as just part of growing up. While puberty can bring emotional ups and downs, depression is a different issue that can significantly affect daily life. If it’s interfering with school, friendships, or family time, seeking help is essential.

Ignoring childhood depression can lead to long-term consequences. Doctors use a tool called CDRS-R to assess the severity of the condition. A score under 40? Therapy might be enough. A score over 40? It’s time to consider antidepressants.

Some parents worry about antidepressants, fearing that they might cause negative side effects or lead to more serious issues.

However, research shows that the benefits of these medications far outweigh any potential risks. They won’t cause extreme behavior and can significantly improve the child’s well-being.

Since children may not always be able to express their emotions effectively, therapy options like play therapy or emotional regulation training are often used. Parents play a crucial role in recovery, and family therapy can also be highly beneficial.

Want to prevent depression? Create a healthy home environment that nurtures both the body and mind. Ensure your child has time for physical activities, relaxation, and emotional well-being.

Regular check-ups are just as crucial for mental health as physical health. Kim notes that in the U.S., teens are screened for depression annually. In many places, the screening process is limited to a few assessments during certain school years. This is insufficient.

His advice? Don’t wait for the school to catch depression. Be proactive and perform your own home depression check-ups. Tools like the PHQ-9 are simple to use and can help identify the signs early.

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