Can children also suffer from depression? Be alert to children's emotions when these 9 behaviors occur. How | Depression
Many children always show us a sunny and optimistic side. But in situations where we are unaware, they may become irritable, have poor relationships with classmates, often cry, exhibit self harm behavior, etc., leading to lack of concentration in class and gradual decline in mental state... It is only when grades plummet that parents attach great importance to it, and parents cannot help but wonder, can children also suffer from depression?
Indeed, children can also experience depression. This emotion is an unpleasant, sad, and painful experience, typically manifested as a loss of interest and joy from the past, reduced speech and activity, and often feeling "uninteresting," "lethargic," "lacking energy," and "unable to be happy." Some children even have the idea that "it's better to die" or engage in self harm behavior to avoid pain.
Psychological health status of children and adolescents
The WHO Children's Mental Health Guidelines point out that behavior disorders related to depressive symptoms in children can persist into adolescence and even adulthood, manifested as drug abuse, poor health, antisocial behavior, crime, unemployment, marital problems, and other poor interpersonal relationships. Severe depression usually occurs in adolescents, spread across various countries, and can lead to serious damage to psychological and social functions, as well as a risk of suicide.
More than 20% of children and adolescents worldwide are disabled due to mental disorders, and adolescent suicide is the third leading cause of death worldwide. The mental health issues of children and adolescents have become a common global public health issue.
The reason for this situation
Children and adolescents are in a special period of growth and development, and on the one hand, they may face emotional isolation, lack a sense of identification and understanding, and may not actively communicate with others for various reasons; Or feel ashamed of exposing fragile thoughts and behaviors, hide your pain deep in your heart, and cover it up in conversations with others. Over time, depression will gradually develop.
Children should be vigilant if they exhibit the following behaviors
1. Suddenly becoming quiet and unwilling to socialize with others.
2. Frequent anxiety, irritability, worry, and fear.
3. Emotional instability and impulsiveness.
4. Easy to get angry, develop hostility, or lose temper.
5. Lack of interest or overall unhappiness.
6. Lazy life and unwillingness to go to school.
7. Lack of concentration.
8. Unable to sleep or sleep well.
9. Decreased academic performance.
How parents can help their children overcome depression
During a child's growth process, the influence of parents on their child's growth cannot be underestimated. Children usually regard their parents as their first teachers, and the emotional stability of parents can also help stabilize their child's emotions; In the process of interacting with children every day, parents should also timely detect their children's emotional behavior and thinking changes, guide them in a rational way, feel with warmth, listen carefully to their children's thoughts and feelings, and their sense of security will double, so that they can study with peace of mind and grow happily.
How to alleviate and help children and adolescents overcome depression?
Developing resilience in children and adolescents
1. Establish a good psychological support system
• Good family and friend relationships
• Participate in volunteer or volunteer service work
Join group activities
2. Avoid viewing crises as insurmountable difficulties
• Positive understanding and handling of difficulties
• Looking Forward
Learn from difficulties
3. Accepting transformation is a part of life
• Goals need to be adjusted according to the environment
Accepting certain environments that cannot be changed now
4. Keep moving towards the goal
Set feasible goals for oneself
• Continuously doing small things that can help oneself achieve goals
5. Take decisive action
• Don't avoid difficulties
Learn to make decisions and take action in difficult situations
6. Seeking opportunities for self exploration and development
Growing in adversity
Enhance confidence
Seeking help from friends and family
7. Cultivate a positive view of oneself
Enhance self-confidence
Trust your intuition
8. View things appropriately
• Having a broader and long-term perspective
9. Have hope for the future
• Think more about what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear
Positive expectations can help oneself be optimistic about life
10. Take good care of yourself
Pay attention to your own needs and feelings
• Participate more in what you enjoy doing
The symptoms of depression in children are significantly different from those in adults. Children's diseases are not the embryonic form of adults, so do not apply the adult model to children. And it should also be distinguished from diseases such as stress response, organic mental disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and tic disorders. Depression in children and adolescents is not only characterized by dullness, lack of interest, but also by physical discomfort, anxiety, agitation, irritability, and even physical harm. The connection between these conditions and children's mental health can often only be recognized by professional doctors. I hope that parents will pay attention to the mental health issues of children and adolescents, actively seek professional help and support, and lay a good foundation for the future of children and adolescents.
