Stress and Depression in Children
It is a common myth that children are immune to depression as childhood is a carefree time with no responsibilities. Unfortunately, the truth is that we have not allowed childhood to remain free from tensions and pressures and with the fast paced changing times, children have also fallen prey to stress and stress related depression.
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Stress and stress related depression is not limited to children who go through a traumatic experience alone. Even those who have a normal regular life are also vulnerable to stress and depression.
Some children have a happy-go-lucky disposition and are able to handle most situations appropriately. They get over disappointments and setbacks easily and are ready for taking up new challenges. Some however find it difficult and withdraw emotionally or overreact to minor stressors.
What might seem trivial to adults can easily trigger depression in a child. The difference makes it incumbent on parents and caregivers to understand the various causes and symptoms of childhood stress and depression so that some help can be provided.
The common causes of stress related depression in children are:
- Lack of emotional support from parents
- Arguments between parents
- Parents splitting up
- Excessive teasing
- Too much work or homework
- School exams
- Poverty
- Learning disabilities
The signs and symptoms of childhood stress related depression that you should watch out for are:
- Sudden drop in grades in school
- Excessive sadness
- Inability to enjoy
- Anxiety
- Excessive worry
- Irritability
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Pessimism
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Social withdrawal
- Helplessness
- Appetite changes
- Change in sleep patterns
- Weight loss or weight gain
You can help your children manage stress related depression by counseling them in various ways.
- Build your child’s self-esteem by showing love and affection.
- Anticipate events that might be stressful and prepare your child for what might occur.
- Monitor the child’s workload and check whether it is becoming difficult to handle.
- Encourage your child to talk. Listen carefully and try to understand his perspective even if it sounds illogical.
- Set realistic targets and don’t have high expectations that your child is stressed trying live up to them.
- Take your child out for having fun. Distraction tactics help in forgetting minor stressful events like missing out on the new drama group or the swimming team.
- Involve your child in finding solutions. Provide only backend help and let him find solutions.
- Make sure that the child gets enough exercise, eats healthy and balance diet and sleeps properly
Helping your child to manage stress and stress related depression can be tough. Such instances can involve serious issues like an illness, divorce of parents or the death of a parent. Children need support at every juncture in life lest they start blaming themselves for events over which they have no control. Sometimes reassuring them that whatever is happening is not their fault is enough to give them relief from stress.
If your child is very worried and depressed for longer than a month despite your efforts and assurances, you should seek professional help before the depression reaches unmanageable heights.
Back to Stress and Depression.
