Not only in adults, depression can also occur in children. Depression in children can be characterized by several symptoms, such as feelings of sadness that persist, do not want to play, changes in behavior, to a decrease in achievement in school. To better understand the symptoms and treatment of depression in children, let's consider the following review.
Depression in children can limit their ability to move normally. This condition can occur due to several factors, ranging from bullying at school, violence and constant fighting in the household, sexual harassment, parental divorce, wrong child parenting, death of a loved one, to mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder in children , autism, and ADHD.
Common Symptoms of Depression in Children
The condition of a depressed child is often not realized. This is because children cannot convey their feelings well. Therefore, parents need to pay attention to changes in children's emotions and behavior.
Symptoms of depression in children can be divided into physical symptoms and mental symptoms. The following is the explanation:
Physical symptoms
Some physical symptoms of depression in children who need to be aware of are frequent stomachaches, frequent headaches, weight gain or appear thinner, appetite decreases or actually increases rapidly, looks tired, and difficulty sleeping.
Mental symptoms
Mental symptoms of depression in children include:
- Becomes easy, especially if he is criticized.
- Feeling sad and even hopeless.
- Unwilling or unable to complete schoolwork.
- Loss of interest in doing a hobby or activity that was previously popular.
- Reluctant to interact or hang out with peers, even with family.
- Difficult to concentrate.
- Having thoughts to hurt yourself.
- Feel very guilty and consider himself worthless.
- Often looks nervous or anxious.
Children can be suspected of having depression if these symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, and interfere with children's daily activities. If left untreated, symptoms of depression in children can get worse.
Care for Depressed Children
If the child shows symptoms that are suspected of being depressed, then parents should immediately take the child to a child's psychologist or psychiatrist.
If a child is diagnosed with depression, he needs treatment and medication. Some handling steps that can be taken to overcome depression in children are:
- Counseling and psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Play therapy.
- Provision of antidepressant drugs.
Suggested treatment for children with depression will be adjusted to the severity of depressive symptoms, the child's response to therapy, and the child's ability to attend therapy sessions properly.
The Importance of Parental Support
The role of parents is very important in the process of recovery of depression in children. Parents need to accompany and provide support to children who are depressed.
Depression therapy requires time before results can be seen. Therefore, parents need to be patient and provide emotional support to children during the therapy process.
Parents also need to make sure children eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and have the opportunity to do their hobbies. This will have a positive effect on his mood.
When children are depressed, parents will certainly be concerned, sad, and even frustrated. However, try to remain patient and understand the child's condition, because a positive relationship with parents will greatly help the child in dealing with depression.
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