Childhood Depression & Children's Mental Health

Articles

Feb 1

Depression in children is not an entirely uncommon diagnosis, especially in teens. ADHD, behavior problems, anxiety, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children (cdc.gov). Approximately 1.9 million kids between the ages of 3-17 have been diagnosed with depression. When a child is diagnosed with a different disorder, the likelihood of depression may increase. Kids who are dealing with depression and different physical or mental health issues may enter into a suicidal frame of mind, and the rate of teen suicide has been on the rise as of recent years. It is important to address some of the warning signs and increase awareness of them in order to help prevent these tragic circumstances from increasing even more. We will look at some of the factors that contribute to childhood depression as well as some actionable measures you can take if you are concerned about someone you love.

Common Mental Health Concerns in Children

It is important to recognize that mental health problems in children affect the way they are able to learn, interact with others, their overall demeanor or behavior, and simply how they are able to navigate each day. Today, these concerns come with significant obstacles to address in addition to the problems that arise, simply due to the massive changes we have all endured. There are a number of more common mental health concerns in children.

Anxiety

It is typical that any child will be fearful of certain things or worry about some situations. Anxiety in children is often characterized by a more extreme version of these fears or worries – in which they have a negative effect on the child’s life. They may have a particular fear which causes them anxiety, such as a certain animal or going to the doctor. Some children are afraid to be separated from their parents, but over time, learn that it is ok. Children with heightened anxiety may have more trouble with that adjustment. In addition to causing disruption in conducting their life day to day, anxiety can also create shifts in behavior, such as increased irritability or anger.

Depression

Generally, depression in children is characterized by a disinterest in activities or things that they previously enjoyed, along with an overall sense of hopelessness. When typically “fun” activities are of no interest to a child when they previously would have enjoyed them, it can indicate depression. Other signs, such as changes in sleeping habits, eating habits, or energy levels also can be warning signs. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness are not always easy subjects to talk about with family and friends, but creating that dialogue intentionally can help children present their feelings if they arise.

Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)

Children acting out is not an uncommon thing, however, some children act out more than other kids their age. Oppositional Defiance Disorder is characterized by this increased frequency of acting out in ways such as showing extreme anger, refusing to follow the rules, intentionally bothering others, and an inability to take accountability for mistakes. Usually, this disorder is seen in children after age eight and up to age twelve.

Conduct Disorder (CD)

Aggressive behavior and showing aggression toward others is generally characterized as Conduct Disorder (CD). When children are breaking more serious rules and conducting themselves with aggression toward others on a regular basis, it indicates a pattern of behavior.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Kids with ADHD generally have trouble controlling their impulses. This can affect them in so many ways, such as disrupting their ability to focus on a task or listen in school. They may have trouble paying attention in general and struggle with an overactive mind. Children may exhibit these behaviors by noticeably fidgeting a lot, talking excessively, frequently misplacing things, having trouble waiting for their turn, or acting somewhat recklessly in certain situations.

Tourette Syndrome

“Tics,” or uncontrollable movements or sounds are typically how Tourette’s syndrome is characterized. Similar to how we hiccup, children with this syndrome are not able to control the tics. Children may begin to exhibit tics as early as age six. A tic might involve any level of movement in the body, from a more obvious gesture such as jerking an arm, to a more subtle bodily movement such as blinking or sniffing. Vocal tics may present themselves in the same way, subtle in the case of humming, or more obvious in the form of yelling. In many cases, tics grow more prevalent when a child is in a stressful situation, and less prevalent when they are feeling calm.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Children often worry about certain situations, or they may have a “lucky” hat – something more superstitious than anything else. When children have more intrusive thoughts which cause them to behave differently and it is a disruption to their typical routine, it may indicate Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Thoughts related to OCD are unwanted, and generally cause children with OCD to feel distressed and anxious. In some cases, OCD will cause a child to have a need to repeat a certain behavior because they feel it is necessary in order to prevent something bad from happening.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Stress is certainly unavoidable, particularly in recent years. However, when children experience a situation that causes them heightened stress, they may be affected long-term. This effect is typically how PTSD is characterized. Children may feel trauma from witnessing violence, injuring themselves, or enduring the loss of a loved one. The resulting PTSD can replay in their mind and interfere with their life for many years beyond childhood. It can also affect their ability to concentrate and keep their focus in school.

One Condition Might Lead to Another

At times, mental health concerns are related to other diagnoses. Especially with things like ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Autism, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and many other conditions, depression often is seen in conjunction. For example, a child may be acting out in school and exhibiting behavioral problems, but they may have PTSD from a past experience. An injury may cause a child to develop PTSD, which can then lead them to develop ADHD and begin to have trouble in school. Anxiety issues are commonly seen alongside many different types of behavioral problems.

These, along with things like anxiety and mood instability can increase the risk of suicide. “The prognosis for comorbid anxiety and depression is worse than either condition alone, with a higher risk of recurrence, longer duration, increased suicide attempts, greater impairment, a less favorable response to treatment, and greater utilization of mental health services” (Birmaher et al., 1996; Ezpeleta, Domenech, & Angold, 2006).

Addressing these diagnoses is important – not addressing mental health concerns while in treatment for other (perhaps initially occurring) symptoms can often prove to be a serious barrier for treatment. As soon as parents are concerned about a particular behavior or notice any warning signs of other conditions, it is important to seek the appropriate care.

What Factors Contribute to Childhood Depression?

While there are many different reasons a child may be diagnosed with depression, there are some factors to be aware of which are often seen and can increase the risk of suicide:

Having other psychiatric disorders
A major loss, as in family members or close friends
Having endured past abuse physically or sexually
Exposure to violent behaviors
Substance abuse issues
Issues medically or physically (injury, infection, etc.)
Influence of others, bullying
Confusion or lack of clarity about gender or orientation
Being the victim of bullying
Being uncertain of sexual orientation
Loss of a loved one due to suicide
Adoption or being adopted
Prior history of mood disorders or suicidal behavior in family members

Consider the above factors, and look for opportunities to spread this information to others in your life to increase awareness for us all. It is important to address a child who is at risk of suicide due to any of the above reasons to be conscious of warning signs and to be able to be ready to help if the time comes. With our current culture and the world we live in today, children are increasingly feeling pressure from many different sides of life. Bullying is easier than ever with access to the internet and kids simply can’t be prepared for everything that might come their way. While you can help them deal with general issues with their classmates or peers, sometimes there can be issues with bullying happening without anyone realizing it.

Generally, many warning signs come in the form of a child’s mood or behavior. If your child expresses any feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or feels detached from their peers and family, it is important that they get the mental health support they need. Whenever any kind of weapon is present in the home, the risk of these tragic events increases, so consider the safety within your own home and take every precaution to ensure your children cannot access anything they might use to harm themselves if you have any concerns about their state of mental health.

There are ways you can take an active role and the first step would be to screen your child for any of the signs. Check out this children’s depression screening test to see if any of the items on this list are checked off.

What Measures Can You Take for Prevention?

More important than many other health concerns, suicide can be preventable through treatment and mental health support. Children with depression and suicidal thoughts require effective medical treatment. It can be very helpful to introduce and bolster your child with a strong network of people around them who they can trust and who support them. Getting involved in activities where your child is participating with a group of peers can help them feel less isolated and alone with their minds. Work on developing skills in problem-solving or conflict resolution to offer some additional experience and thought processes. This can help them learn to solve different kinds of disputes without hurting others or themselves. Families often turn to cultural or spiritual beliefs that discourage suicide offers a perspective that is outside of their own inner circle or family.

The importance of being open and creating an honest dialogue about suicide with your teenager or child cannot be understated. Sometimes people think that speaking about it and understanding more about it will almost present them with the idea of suicide, but this is not the case. Education about suicide does not increase the likelihood of it happening with your family.

If you are concerned about a member of your family’s mental health or you have concerns about suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline. Counselors are available at locally-available crisis centers all over the country.

Tilton’s Therapy for Tots is dedicated to providing parents and caregivers the best resources to help their children succeed! If you are looking to get started with occupational, physical, or speech therapy for your child, get started with our patient registration or learn more about our process of becoming a patient. Our occupational therapists are skilled in behavioral and mental health and may be able to help your child with any issues they are experiencing. There are often many ways to change or approach a situation that can have a positive effect on mood and behavior. Our goal is to help prevent any self-destructive or reckless behavior as a result of needed care in behavioral or mental health.