July 2013
SanTan
FAMILY FUN
1
Depression in children: A real and painful condition by Alison Stanton
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than a few weeks or months,” she says, In books, television shows and movies, adding that this is somechildren are often portrayed as happy-gotimes referred to as lucky and cheerful characters with nary a “watchful waiting” and care in the world. Although some adults can help parents determay contend that kids in real life are also mine if their child is just as happy and carefree, Nicole having a “typical” reacHuggins, Psy.D., a clinical, forensic and tion to a life event or if school psychologist at Trilogy Integrated something more serious Psychological Services LLC, says this is not is going on. always the case. “This is also impor“Depression can absolutely happen in tant when determining kids, and it’s happening even more and what ‘typical’ moodiness more frequently now, due to the various is in teens due to stressors they have to contend with,” puberty and hormonal changes, versus a she says. more serious condition or problem. Most While parents may associate childhood depression with a sullen teenager who gets importantly, when the symptoms begin to interfere with their functioning, that is a poor grades in school, Huggins says very good indicator it is time to seek depression can start as early as infancy. evaluation and/or treatment.“ “If you look at infants who were born As for the causes of depression in prematurely and spent a lot of time in the children, Huggins says it can be due to a NICU separated from their caregivers, or if chemical imbalance in the child and/or an you look at traditional ‘orphanage babies,’ outside stressor like a divorce, move, there are definitely cases where they have bullying, exposure to trauma, depression,” she says, adding domestic violence or a loss of that babies who leave the NICU a loved one. tend to have a shorter duration Parents who have depression of symptoms than infants and are also more likely to have toddlers who reside in an children who will develop the orphanage. mood disorder at some point, Between the ages of 3 and 12, Huggins says. Huggins says children tend to No matter what causes a have a lot of the same symptoms child to become depressed, and causes of depression. These Huggins says she wants parents symptoms can also cross over DEPRESSION AFFECTS KIDS, TOO: to know that the condition does into the teen years, she adds. not know boundaries. In other “Children who have depres- Dr. Nicole Huggins says children as words, she says, depression can sion will often act out, break young as infants happen to any child, regardless down and cry a lot, be very can suffer from depression. of his or her socio-economic grumpy and sad, claim to be status, gender, intellectual bored, lose pleasure from previ- Submitted photo ability and lifestyle. ously enjoyed activities, either be very “Often times, gifted children experience fatigued or get excessive sleep and can what we call an ‘existential depression’ have either weight gain or weight loss,” and it's important for that to not go she says. “They can also become very withdrawn, unnoticed as it is just as serious,” she says. If parents suspect that their child is like when a kid who normally liked depressed, Huggins says they should first playing with his peers stops doing it.” take some time to observe the child and Another classic sign of depression in ask about his or her feelings. children is somatic complaints like “They should also speak with their headaches and stomachaches, child’s teacher and school counselor to see Huggins says. if they have observed anything and to For teenagers, Huggins says depression share their concerns, and then if necessary, can be a sign and/or a symptom of they can also seek treatment.” substance use. For example, while alcohol Parents may also wish to have their and other drugs can cause symptoms of child evaluated by a child psychologist, depression, it’s also possible that the who can order different types of testing teenager was already feeling depressed to assess depression. Huggins says it is and is using drugs to self-medicate. also a good idea to take a child in for a In order for a child to be diagnosed medical checkup with a family practiwith depression, Huggins says the signs tioner or other health care provider to and symptoms should be occurring at two make sure there is not a medical reason or more settings, like both at home and for the depression, such as anemia or a in school. thyroid condition. One reason it is so important for “This may sound somewhat simplistic, parents and teachers to be aware of the various signs and symptoms of depression, but parents also should also make sure Huggins says, is that it can be very difficult their children are getting enough physical exercise, and are getting enough sleep and for young children to describe their feelings eating a healthy diet,” Huggins says. of hopelessness and helplessness. “They should also tell their children “The younger child is often less able to that they love them, reassure them that verbally describe what they are feeling, so it’s important for adults to be aware of any things do pass and get better and allow them to express their feelings.” of these symptoms that are lasting longer
If their child does not improve, Huggins says play therapy groups for young children can be very effective, as are social skills groups for teenagers. Individual and/or family sessions may also be necessary and can be very beneficial, she adds. “If the condition goes untreated it only prolongs the duration of the disorder and can lead to other very serious problems and issues including family relational problems, poor school performance and physical illness,” Huggins says. Children who do not get better may also need medication, she says. “But if this does happen, parents need to watch very closely for a suicidal component, such as children suddenly saying they feel better and then giving away their things.” No matter how old the child is or the reason for their depression, Huggins stresses that it is definitely a very real mood disorder that should be taken seriously by adults. “Depression is not just reserved for adults. Children who have experienced a traumatic or stressful life can definitely become depressed, and to not take it seriously will only make the situation worse.” Trilogy Integrated Psychological Services LLC is located at 4135 S. Power Rd., Suite 125, in Mesa. For information call 480-813-3990 or visit trilogypsychological.com. Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.
Resources Books:
• “My Feeling Better Workbook: Help for Kids Who Are Sad and Depressed,” by Sara Hamil, LCSW • “The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety and Worry,” by Lisa M. Schab, LCSW • “The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience,” by Martin E. P. Seligman Websites:
• kidshealth.org • mentalhealthamerica.net • NAMI.org • NIMH.nih.gov • suicidepreventionlifeline.org