Symptoms of Depression in Young Children

Surely you have never encountered a child who was given diagnosis "depression". And this is not because there are no such people, but because she is rarely diagnosed, forgetting that small children can also suffer from it.

Depression is not necessarily caused by difficult life difficulties - but adults do not prefer it. to notice, but the children themselves do not know how to specifically describe their condition, because they themselves do not know with what collided. We will tell you how you can identify depression in a child.

1. Up to 3 years of age, depression in a child may be a reflection of the situation in the family or the condition of the mother. If the mother is constantly nervous, under stress, in conflict with relatives, then the child adopts this state, he may develop depression. This is expressed in frequent illnesses, sleep disturbances, increased moodiness, frequent inconsolable crying for no apparent reason. If the mother does not give the child love, acceptance and attention, then he loses a sense of security - and hence the depressive states.

To understand the baby's condition, you need to exclude possible physiological factors (illness, violation development, wrong daily routine or lack of it), as well as to establish an emotional atmosphere in the house and contact with mom. If she has postpartum depression, this problem needs to be dealt with first.

2. In children over 3 years of age, depression is manifested by frequent changes in behavior and mood: from activity to apathy, from playfulness to tearfulness, from curiosity to inattention and lack of interest in anything.

Also, the child can become inactive, avoid contact with other people and any activity, including the one that he liked before. Obsessive fears, nervous tics, enuresis, sleep disturbances, absent-mindedness, decreased appetite, and lack of emotions may appear.

It is important to distinguish between a momentary state and a painful one. All children are bored, the child can become apathetic due to illness, but if he is not interested in anything at all, including cartoons, toys, etc., then this should alert. A child after 3 years old can be taken to classes with a psychotherapist. He will help to hear the wishes and problems of the baby.

3. In children over 10 years old, depression can be treated with medication, but the decision about this is strictly a specialist. Main indications: insomnia, constant lethargy and apathy, lack of appetite, suicidal thoughts, self-harm.

It is important to be attentive to the child's condition, not writing off everything to adolescence. Children 10 years and older (but sometimes younger) may develop suicidal thoughts, which ultimately run the risk of materializing.

4. Whom to contact: first, the child must be taken to a psychologist or psychotherapist. If he sees that the child has a serious condition that may require medication, he will refer to a psychiatrist.

5. Depressive states should not be allowed to take their course, because somatic diseases, including oncology, can arise from them. Thus, the child's brain decides to draw the attention of adults to it.

You will also be interested to read:

• How to distinguish children's whims from neurosis
• How to recognize school neurosis
• What principles of nutrition lead to depression