Things You Must Know About Childhood Depression

Nowadays, children undergo a lot of stress as they have to deal with a burden of too many expectations. If they are unable to handle pressure and if they do not get right help and support, they may get affected with depression. Here are few things that you should know about childhood depression.Normally, people do not associate depression with kids. it is believed that it is an illness with which adults get affected. Well, it is not true because many cases of depression in young children have been recorded. However, the good thing is that parents can help children come out of this disorder.To treat any problem, you need to know about the symptoms and then how to treat them. Your child might not be able to express her feelings in words. So, watch out for the signs mentioned here so that you can take action before it is late. In this articleShows Signs of Sadness or Loneliness Sleeplessness or Excess of Sleep Grades are Dropping ContinuouslyChange in AppetiteComplaints of Pain in Different Body Parts Cries More than UsualNegative AttitudeRejects Fun Plans Offered1. Shows Signs of Sadness or LonelinessThis is one of the most significant signs of depression in your child. Do not jump into any conclusion. Try to talk to her only when you are sure that she is continuously showing signs of sadness or loneliness. These children are left out by their peers and they fall out of the social fabric as well.2. Sleeplessness or Excess of SleepIf you find your child not sleeping well at nights or to the contrary, if you find that even if your child sleeps properly at night, she looks sleepy or sleeps during day also, you should be alert. Look out for other signs and then talk to your child. If your child is going through depression, you will find her feeling sleepy the whole day even after having a good sleep at night.3. Grades are Dropping ContinuouslyIf your child is going through depression, she will not be able to focus on her studies. Watch out for drop in grades especially when your child is good in academics, there is some problem. You might also be getting complains of lack of attention and concentration of your child from her teacher.4. Change in AppetiteIf you find that your child is eating very less or eating too much, you should check out for the problem. A little shift on preferences or appetite is expected and normal for kids. Watch out for major shifts and look out for other symptoms also.5. Complaints of Pain in Different Body PartsIf you find that your child has suddenly started complaining of stomach ache, headache or ache in other body parts often than before, it could be a red flag.6. Cries More than UsualCrying is a healthy sign of expressing feelings for anyone especially children. But if your child, who used to be a happy kid, starts sobbing every now and then, you should be watchful.7. Negative AttitudeSome children do not have apparent signs of depression. So, if you find your child having negative attitude towards everything in life, you need to check things out. Mood swings are expected from children. Look out for signs of irritability and worrisome mood swings, keep an eye on other symptoms.8. Rejects Fun Plans OfferedChildren go through a lot of stress due to the various activities that they perform in a very little time like homework, sports performances, drama, music auditions and many more. Feeling down can be quite normal at times. But watch out if normal stress relieving activities that worked for your child is no more working. This is because depressed people find pleasure uncomfortable.In addition to the above mentioned symptoms, you should watch out for any indifferent behaviour in your child. Depression can make your child stop caring about herself and about everything around. On the other hand, if depression runs in your family, watch out for any sign and take action immediately. Talk to your child, listen to her problems and show your love and support.What is childhood depression? How to prevent depression in children? What are the signs of childhood depression? Discuss here.