Signs Depression

Posted by Rinda on 19/06/2009

Vital Pieces Of Signs : Depression in Childhood Overview

By Rinda Ismar

Depression and anxiety, as well as other mental health disorders are found in children, also in preschool children, even though it is commonly associated with adolescents and adults.

According to Mary J. O’Connor, Ph.D., ABPP, UCLA developmental psychologist, parents are not easily aware whether their children are depressed, as easily as they recognize externalizing behaviors from their children, such as “showing an attitude’. They only notice their children as ‘being moody’, or just plain sad.

To be aware of the warning signs, depression in childhood should be recognized. If the following symptoms below have lasted over two weeks, these symptoms may indicate depression :

• Poor performance in school
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Sadness and hopelessness
• Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
• Anger and rage
• Overreaction to criticism
• Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals
• Poor self-esteem or guilt
• Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
• Restlessness and agitation
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Substance abuse
• Problems with authority
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Sexual promiscuity
• Hostile, aggressive or risk-taking behavior

Source: National Mental Health Association

Reluctance to socialize, and not enjoying activities they once enjoyed, decline in school performance or attendance, overwhelming anxiety, out of the ordinary eating or sleep habits are signs that children are required to have a psychological evaluation, also it is crucial to seriously give attention to 5 year old children who express any suicidal thoughts.

Warning Signs : Depression Thoughts of Suicide

Threats of suicide or signs of depression in no way should be overlooked by parents, and merely dismissed as “just a way to get attention”.  It would absolutely signify the difference between life and death, when parents know what to seek.

• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself, or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking firearms, available pills or other means
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped - like there’s no way out
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family and society
• Feeling anxious, agitated or unable to sleep - or sleeping all the time
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes
• Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life

It is important for parents to realize that their child will benefit from mental health services and there is treatment available that is highly effective.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is extremely imperative, aside from medication. Dramatic improvement on the child’s self esteem will be noticed after improving the child’s environment at home and at school.

You also might be interested in reading my info on Bipolar Symptoms

Comments

2 Responses to “Signs Depression”

1. Benny says:

   21/06/2009 at 11:44 pm

   Wah.. sudah bagus begini.. gimana punya saya.. yang masih sedikit isinya.. semangat terus..

   benkoen
   Abers
2. Rinda says:

   22/06/2009 at 6:53 am

   Hi, Benny, thank you so much for your support, much appreciated. I’ve also visited your website, very nice, keep up the good work.