Various Causes of Stress and Depression in Children

Identifying the causes of stress and depression in children is the main aspect for treatment of depression. Learn about the primary signs of depression. Treating depression early prevents irreparable damage to the child’s psyche. Depression in children can be caused due to variety of factors. These days depression has become so common that it helps if the causes of stress and depression are identified at the onset. Not only can they be then effectively prevented but cured as well and in time. Given below are some of the common causes of depression in children: In this articleProblems at HomeDivorce of ParentsIf the Parents are DepressedViolence and Sexual AbuseDeath in FamilySibling or Peer RivalryExpectation of ParentsFeeling of EmbarrassmentLack of AttentionProblems at HomeIf there is a general sense of discomfort at home, it can lead to stress and depression in the child. The home is supposed to be safe and secure haven where the members ought to feel peace and happiness. The feeling of relaxation vanishes when there is a negative environment of unrest or argument between parents or other members at home. A happy home is more likely to have a stress-free kid. Divorce of ParentsWhen the parents split up, the child is likely to feel depressed. There is an emotional turmoil and a feeling of sadness. Often kids try to act mature and control their outbursts or feelings but the suffering is unavoidable and gets manifested through various depressive symptoms. Sometimes the kid ends up blaming themselves for the breakup and it is most unfortunate part. One needs to understand that a weekend visit by the missing parent or a box of goodies does not suffice when the kid misses a whole family.If the Parents are DepressedEnvironment plays a large part in causing depression. If the parents or parent is depressed, the child can seldom feel happy. Every occasion when the child witnesses the parent being upset should be carefully and consciously reduced. Love, understanding and praise are required by kid for a healthy atmosphere. Violence and Sexual AbuseThese are factors that may not be brought to light very easily. Both are serious trauma for an innocent mind which is fully not aware of the world. They can cause irreparable damage to the child’s psyche and harm his persona like no other. Treating depression caused by these factors are the most difficult to treat. So parents must take note that the safety cocoon of the family is protected at every cost. Death in FamilyDeath in the family is hard to deal for anyone and the child is surely most vulnerable with the ‘permanent’ absence of a near or dear one. This is when one needs to communicate with the child all the more and discuss the situation. See to it that the child does not become emotionally withdrawn and show disinterest in activity or food, as these are primary signs of depression. Sibling or Peer RivalrySometimes parents promote sibling rivalry with an idea that this will perhaps encourage both the kids to perform even better. But nothing can be more unfortunate than this. Siblings are blood relations and should be reared with love and mutual understanding. So love between siblings should only be promoted. After all this will enhance the bond and foster better understanding. They can each stand as emotional support to the other when in need. So parents need to be and act fair and avoid comparisons. Expectation of ParentsThe child should be correctly guided, corrected and encouraged to perform well. But do not place unrealistic expectations on the little one. Do not add to the stress, allow them a relaxed childhood. Neither should children be pushed to any activity like say a certain game or learning art or music, if the child naturally disinterested in it. It will only cause stress in him. Feeling of EmbarrassmentAt no point of time should the child be made to feel embarrassed about anything, be it his look, his family status, his performance or may be even his name! Embarrassment can render a very negative impact on the child. He is likely to become socially withdrawn and refrain from expressing himself. He tends to be live under constant fear and apprehension. Neither should he be made to feel guilty. If he commits a mistake, explain to him why the action should be considered as a mistake and help him understand the point. Lack of AttentionThis is a cause for depression as well. The child wants to be acknowledged and appreciated for his activities, progress, efforts and achievements. This boosts his elf worth and even an occasional praise for no real reason can also encourage him to be disciplined and improve performance. The point to note in this regards is that not all factors that cause stress or depression are negative like death or bad environment, etc. any factor that puts high demand on the child can be stressful. More than the factor, it is the perception of the factor that causes the stress.

Depression in children can be caused due to variety of factors. These days depression has become so common that it helps if the causes of stress and depression are identified at the onset. Not only can they be then effectively prevented but cured as well and in time. Given below are some of the common causes of depression in children:

Problems at Home

If there is a general sense of discomfort at home, it can lead to stress and depression in the child. The home is supposed to be safe and secure haven where the members ought to feel peace and happiness. The feeling of relaxation vanishes when there is a negative environment of unrest or argument between parents or other members at home. A happy home is more likely to have a stress-free kid.

Divorce of Parents

When the parents split up, the child is likely to feel depressed. There is an emotional turmoil and a feeling of sadness. Often kids try to act mature and control their outbursts or feelings but the suffering is unavoidable and gets manifested through various depressive symptoms. Sometimes the kid ends up blaming themselves for the breakup and it is most unfortunate part. One needs to understand that a weekend visit by the missing parent or a box of goodies does not suffice when the kid misses a whole family.

If the Parents are Depressed

Environment plays a large part in causing depression. If the parents or parent is depressed, the child can seldom feel happy. Every occasion when the child witnesses the parent being upset should be carefully and consciously reduced. Love, understanding and praise are required by kid for a healthy atmosphere.

Violence and Sexual Abuse

These are factors that may not be brought to light very easily. Both are serious trauma for an innocent mind which is fully not aware of the world. They can cause irreparable damage to the child’s psyche and harm his persona like no other. Treating depression caused by these factors are the most difficult to treat. So parents must take note that the safety cocoon of the family is protected at every cost.

Death in Family

Death in the family is hard to deal for anyone and the child is surely most vulnerable with the ‘permanent’ absence of a near or dear one. This is when one needs to communicate with the child all the more and discuss the situation. See to it that the child does not become emotionally withdrawn and show disinterest in activity or food, as these are primary signs of depression.

Sibling or Peer Rivalry

Sometimes parents promote sibling rivalry with an idea that this will perhaps encourage both the kids to perform even better. But nothing can be more unfortunate than this. Siblings are blood relations and should be reared with love and mutual understanding. So love between siblings should only be promoted. After all this will enhance the bond and foster better understanding. They can each stand as emotional support to the other when in need. So parents need to be and act fair and avoid comparisons.

Expectation of Parents

The child should be correctly guided, corrected and encouraged to perform well. But do not place unrealistic expectations on the little one. Do not add to the stress, allow them a relaxed childhood. Neither should children be pushed to any activity like say a certain game or learning art or music, if the child naturally disinterested in it. It will only cause stress in him.

Feeling of Embarrassment

At no point of time should the child be made to feel embarrassed about anything, be it his look, his family status, his performance or may be even his name! Embarrassment can render a very negative impact on the child. He is likely to become socially withdrawn and refrain from expressing himself. He tends to be live under constant fear and apprehension. Neither should he be made to feel guilty. If he commits a mistake, explain to him why the action should be considered as a mistake and help him understand the point.

Lack of Attention

This is a cause for depression as well. The child wants to be acknowledged and appreciated for his activities, progress, efforts and achievements. This boosts his elf worth and even an occasional praise for no real reason can also encourage him to be disciplined and improve performance.

The point to note in this regards is that not all factors that cause stress or depression are negative like death or bad environment, etc. any factor that puts high demand on the child can be stressful. More than the factor, it is the perception of the factor that causes the stress.