ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION

ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

We want to imagine childhood as a happy time filled with wonder and fun, with children's lives protected from any difficulties. While many kids may have a perfect upbringing,  kids, and teens struggle with depression. Children's Mental Health Week, May 2–8, 2021, is an ideal time to focus on childhood and adolescent depression, particularly in light of the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased depression rates in young people due to the uncertainty, fear, and social isolation it has caused.

A mood illness known as clinical depression can affect people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Only recently has the existence of pediatric depression been recognized. The fact that even infants can experience depression may come as a shock to many people.

Increased youth depression due to the pandemic

Before the pandemic, childhood depression was becoming more prevalent, affecting as many as 3% of kids and 8% to 10% of teens. Many studies conducted during the first year of the epidemic have proven that for many kids and teenagers, being in quarantine results in feelings of fear, loneliness, anxiety, clinginess, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Researchers think that not only are these rates rising during the epidemic, but also that going through it will probably make depression more common in later life.

Understanding Depression Symptoms Based on Age

It might be difficult to identify depression in children and teenagers. Not every person experiences the same indications and symptoms. Also, to express their emotional state verbally. Some symptoms include:

• regular stomachaches or headaches
• excessive napping, difficulty falling asleep, and difficulty staying asleep
• A change in appetite, especially a lack of food interest in social encounters
• Irritability
• Ages 5 – 12

Although children of this age are better able to express their feelings verbally, they may frequently keep their feelings to themselves, making it more difficult for a parent or caregiver to recognize the symptoms of depression. However, there are a lot of typical indications, such as:

• majority of the time, sadness
• Frequent aggression (i.e., frequently refuses to comply with your requests or throws tantrums)
• Regularly having negative thoughts and statements about oneself
• a sense of guilt
• Fear or persistent anxiety
• stomachaches or headaches without any apparent physical cause the absence of interest or enjoyment in routine activities, family, or friends
• Family and friend disputes
• a low sense of self
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• fixation on previous mistakes, excessive self-blame, or excessive self-criticism
• extreme sensitivity to failure or rejection as well as an excessive need for confidence
• Problems with memory, concentration, decision-making, and thought
• the ongoing impression that things are bad and the future is dark
• frequently having thoughts of suicide or death
• excessive sleeping or insomnia
• use of drugs or alcohol
• Isolation from society Bad personal hygiene
• Outbursts of rage, disruptiveness, or dangerous behavior
• Self-harm
• Suicide attempt or suicide plan
• What to Do If Your Child or Teenager Seems Depressed
• Depression in children and adolescents is not a sign of weakness or something a youngster may overcome by willpower.

If you believe you could benefit from professional assistance, speak with an Online Counsellor and a psychologist of your choice about your difficulties. With just one click, you can connect with the Best Psychologists in India, counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists at TalktoAngel, who can help you tackle your mental health challenges and take care of your mental health on your own.