Sadness in small children is not an unheard of emotion. Small children often get sad, but when that sadness is a constant emotion, it is a sign of depression. Even though many children have happy and normal childhoods, many of them still have a proclivity to being depressed. The general feeling that children cannot be depressed consequently leads to many children not receiving professional help for their chronic depression.
In order to understand childhood depression, you must have a definition of depression in mind. Many people say, "I am so depressed" when they have a particularly disappointing or sad day, but there is a major distinction between these momentary, fleeting feelings of sadness and genuine clinical depression. Clinical depression is a continual, pervasive sense of sadness, dread, and anxiety. When left untreated, depression can lead to serious health issues and even thoughts of suicide.
Many adults assume that children have no reason to be depressed, provided they are in a stable home, well fed and cared for properly. But the truth is, childhood is not entirely the carefree frolic we wish it to be. Many children feel extreme pressure from their peers and society to be something they are not in order to fit in. Still others feel that they must reach a level of perfection in order to please the important adults in their lives. Children have little to no control over their lives, and this can be very frightening for them in a way that they have a hard time understanding. These situations lead many children to depression.
Depression, while exhibited as an emotional response, has a chemical cause that can and should be treated. While scientists have very limited understanding about the function of the brain, they do realize that certain chemicals can become imbalanced in the brain, leading to depression. The treatment for depression often involves medications and relaxation techniques that balance out these chemicals.
The most important thing a parent can do to help their child battle depression is to be aware of the risk their child faces and knowledgeable about the symptoms they might see in their children. Children who are depressed will have persistent feelings of sadness or be constantly irritable. They will often express or exhibit a low self-image. This is often exhibited in statements such as "I'm so dumb" that seem to come out of nowhere.
Children who are depressed will find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork or other responsibilities. They may loose sleep, or begin to sleep too much. Their appetite will either increase or decrease dramatically. The same occurs in their level of activity.
Depressed children often exhibit physical symptoms, such as a persistent stomachache or headache that seems to have no trigger. Other changes in the child's normal routine or behavior can be signs of depression. While the depression may be triggered by an obvious event, such as the death of a relative or sudden move, if the symptoms persist for an extended period of time, it becomes dangerous.
Parents who have a feeling that their child may be depressed should contact a doctor or other professional immediately. Contact your family doctor and ask if they have any knowledge of how to treat a child who is depressed. If they don't, they can refer you to someone who has more experience with this situation. Treating your child for depression may involve medication along with intensive therapy. Being a concerned and aggressive parent can be a life-saving trait for your child to have a normal life.
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