How Do You Spot The Warning Signs Of Depression For Children?

April 3, 2010 - PRLog -- Depression is not just reserved for adults.  A lot of children and teens are now showing increased signs of depression.   Adolescent and Teenage depression isn’t just bad moods or mood swings either.  It is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly.  If unrecognized and untreated it can lead to serious problems.  These could be problems in school, drugs, alcohol and even tragedies such as violence or suicide.  
The good news is that child depression can be treated.  The key is to recognize any change that begins to occur and be able to have a trust level to discuss with the child.  Often a parent, teacher or friend will be the first to recognize the changes and these people are more than qualified to start the process.
There are many misconceptions and errors when it comes to child depression.  It is true that adolescent and teen years are difficult but most kids can balance the negative with positive friends and activities along with a healthy positive mind set.  Self confidence is the greatest thing that a child can have to help prevent depression and anything to help build confidence is beneficial.  So, it is important to rethink the times you may put your child down and see the possible danger they may cause later.  The occasional bad behaviour is to be expected but please remember that chronic poor behaviour and depression are entirely different.  Depression can destroy self worth and create sadness, anger and despair in a child.
Whether the incidence of teen depression is actually increasing, or we’re just becoming more aware of it, the fact is that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only 20% of depressed teens ever receive help.
Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, it’s important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.
The question of whether teen depression is on the rise or not, or are we just becoming more aware is often brought up.  The bottom line is that it is happening and in more people than we think.  Even if a child has a convincing facade and appears to have it together, doesn’t mean that that is the case.  Even though depression is very treatable, some experts say that around 20% of depressed teens ever get the help they need.  This is because parents aren’t aware or thing it’s just a “phase”.  The advantages that adults have are that they can often seek the help they need but it’s not so easy for kids. They often fear what they are feeling and may be embarrassed to let anyone know what is going on.  The key is to spot the warning signs.
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