How Depression Affects Children

Depression has become a serious concern for young children. Like their adult counterparts, they can suffer greatly from depression, but tend to display this mental disorder in unique ways. It is difficult to imagine that a child who was once so full of life may be suffering from a mental disorder that is more commonly diagnosed within the adult population. Depression symptoms are usually brushed aside as a side-effect of “natural maturation,” so many children and adolescents do not receive the appropriate care they deserve. Kentlands Psychotherapy in Gaithersburg, MD has a child psychiatrist on staff to help your children during their time of need.

Signs Of Childhood Depression

Children tend to display the same signs of depression as their adult counterparts with a few, very unique, differences. For parents, it is important to understand that when your child is suffering long, drawn out (two or more weeks) of the following behavior, they may be suffering from depression:

  • Ongoing sadness marked by crying.
  • Withdrawal from normal activities they once enjoyed.
  • Sense of hopelessness, where a child believes nothing will work out.
  • Decreased energy levels that make waking up in the morning, or staying awake, difficult.
  • Change in attitude towards school and homework.
  • Self imposed isolation from family, friends, and activities.
  • Inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up on time.
  • Any changes in normal eating habits or abnormal weight loss.
  • Self mutilation, destructive behaviors, or other harmful behaviors.

How Appropriate Medical Care Can Help

Finding the appropriate medical care is the best way to help a child cope with depression. It is helpful to seek out a medical doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions before heading into a psychiatrist in Gaithersburg, MD. A qualified psychiatrist can help with proper diagnosis of the mental disorder and by prescribing appropriate medical care; psychotherapy that combines cognitive and interpersonal therapy techniques, medications, etc. Helping a child understand how and why they are feeling the way that they are has a huge impact on how they continue to live with this common mental disorder. If you believe that your child is suffering from depression please contact a professional at Kentlands Psychotherapy.

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