Depression is a common mental illness that not only affects adults but can also occur in children and adolescents.
According to data from the World Health Organization, globally, over 260 million people suffer from depression, with approximately 5% being children under the age of 15.
Depression can lead to serious consequences such as low mood, loss of interest, feelings of inferiority, and even suicide, affecting children’s learning, social life, health, and future development.
Therefore, parents should pay attention to their children’s mental health, promptly identify and intervene when they see signs of depression.
So, why do children experience depression? What factors increase their risk of developing depression?
Generally, depression is the result of a combination of various factors, including genetics, physiology, psychology, and the environment. Here are some common factors that can trigger or exacerbate depression:
– Unharmonious family environment
– Excessive academic pressure
– Social difficulties
– Personality traits
– Life events
Of course, not all children will develop depression due to these factors, and not all cases of depression are caused by these factors. Each child is unique, responding differently to different situations and pressures. However, parents can observe and communicate with their children to understand their mental state and needs, providing timely help and support.
How can you identify symptoms of depression in children?
Generally, the main manifestations of depression include:
– Emotional aspects
– Behavioral aspects
– Physical aspects
– Cognitive aspects
If parents notice these symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, affecting the child’s daily functioning and quality of life, they should promptly take their child to a psychologist or counselor for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Depression is treatable. With timely detection and intervention, children’s suffering and distress can be effectively alleviated, helping them restore a normal mental state and quality of life.
In addition to seeking professional help, parents can also prevent and alleviate their children’s depressive emotions through the following aspects:
– Building a good parent-child relationship
– Adjusting appropriate educational methods
– Helping children establish good social relationships
– Cultivating a positive mindset and coping strategies
In conclusion, depression is a preventable and treatable mental illness. Parents should prioritize their children’s mental health, recognize and intervene when there are signs of depression, offer appropriate help and support, enabling children to have a happy and healthy childhood.
