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Childhood Depression

Depression is a serious health problem that affects people of all ages, including children and adolescents. Depression is the persistent experience of a sad or irritable mood and the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. These feelings are accompanied by a range of additional symptoms, affecting appetite and sleep, activity level and concentration, and feelings of self-worth.

Clinical depression is more than just "feeling blue" or having a bad day. And it’s different from the feelings of grief or sorrow that might follow a major loss, such as a death in the family. It’s not a personal weakness or a character flaw. Individuals suffering from clinical depression cannot simply "snap out of it."

Depression is a form of mental illness that affects the whole body—it impacts the way one feels, thinks, and acts. Depression in children can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide.

Know the Signs:

• Persistent sadness and hopelessness 
• Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed 
• Increased irritability or agitation 
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits (e.g. significant weight loss, or insomnia) 
• Indecision, lack of concentration, or forgetfulness 
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt 
• Frequent physical complaints, such as headaches and stomachaches 
• Lack of enthusiasm or motivation 
• Low energy and chronic fatigue 
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Know the Facts:

 As many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents may have depression. (U.S. Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), 1996) 

Two-thirds of children with mental health problems do not get the help they need. (CMHS, 1996) 

A recent study led by Dr. Graham Emslie concluded that treatment of major depression is as effective for children as it is for adults. (American Medical Association, Archives of General Psychiatry, November 15, 1997)

What are some of the risk factors for depression?

Children under stress, who have experienced loss, or who have attention, learning, or conduct disorders are at a higher risk for depression (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry). 

Adolescent girls are more likely than adolescent boys to develop depression (National Institute of Mental Health). 

Adolescents and particularly children who develop depression are likely to have a family history of the disorder (National Institute of Mental Health). 

Four out of every five runaway youth suffer from depression (U.S. Select Committee on Children, Youth & Families)

What are some of the consequences of depression?

Once a young person has experienced an episode of depression, he or she is at risk for developing another depression within the next 5 years (Center for Mental Health
Services). 

Depression in childhood may predict more severe depressive illness in adulthood (National Institute of Mental Health). 

Depression in children and adolescents is associated with an increased risk for suicidal behaviors (National Institute of Mental Health). 

What Can Parents/Adults Do?

If parents or other adults in a young person’s life suspect a problem with depression, they should:

• Be aware of the behaviors that concern them and note how long these behaviors have been going on, how often they occur, and how severe they seem. 
• See a mental health professional or the child’s doctor for evaluation and diagnosis. 
• Get accurate information from libraries, hotlines, and other sources. 
• Ask questions about treatments and services. 
• Talk to other families in their community or find a family network organization. 

It is important for people who have questions about, or are not satisfied with, the mental health care they are receiving to discuss their concerns with the provider, ask for more information, and seek help from other sources.

Help is Available

Depression is treatable. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for children with depression. Children who exhibit symptoms of depression should be referred to, and further evaluated by, a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression in children and adolescents. The diagnostic evaluation may include psychological testing, laboratory tests, and consultation with other specialists. A comprehensive treatment plan may include psychotherapy, ongoing evaluation and monitoring, and in some cases, psychiatric medication. Optimally, this plan is developed with the family, and whenever possible, the child or adolescent is involved in the decisions.

The National Mental Health Association is a proud sponsor of Childhood Depression Awareness Day, also known as Green Ribbon Day because of the ribbons symbolizing children’s mental health. The goal of Green Ribbon Day is to increase public awareness of childhood depression through a nationwide social marketing strategy, to help reduce the stigma and misinformation surrounding childhood depression, and to increase awareness of warning signs and treatment resources. Join us on May 09, 2000, Green Ribbon Day, and help bring the public’s attention to this very important subject.

Established in 1909, the National Mental Health Association works to promote mental health, prevent mental disorders, and achieve victory over mental illnesses.

For More Information...

About choosing and using child care and before and after school care, call the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency which serves your community. To find the number of the CCR&R in your area, call: Child Care Aware 1.800.424.2246

Reprinted with permission from The Daily Parent.

The Daily Parent is prepared by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, Washington, DC and funded by the Citigroup Foundation.

“Parents have a great deal of responsibility. Not only should they be knowledgeable about the drugs they give to their children at home, they need to consider how medication issues may affect others responsible for their children outside the home…"

- Alan P. Agins, Ph.D.

The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
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