This week's topic: Childhood Depression
Select the "Read More" link below to view a copy of the script.
Childhood Depression
Host: Is childhood really a time of care-free bliss? No bills to pay, no obligations, no stress. It seems like most kids don’t have a care in the world. Unfortunately, the truth is that children do suffer from depression, just like many adults. However, unlike adults, they are not able to articulate what they are feeling, which results in having a difficult time asking for help. So what can you as a parent do to help? Jim Clark, licensed social worker and President and CEO of daniel memorial, is back with us today to help shed some light on this rising issue.
Jim: Thanks Adam! I’m glad to be here again. This is such a grave issue that many parents are unaware of. A recent study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that almost 15 percent of preschoolers have atypically high levels of depression and anxiety! Today, children are faced with a growing number of difficulties that many of them are emotionally unprepared to handle. Many of the kids we care for at daniel struggle with these types of problems on a day-to-day basis and childhood depression is something I frequently see.
Host: How can a parent or teacher know if a child is depressed?
Jim: Many children are left undiagnosed and untreated because the warning signs are merely passed off as normal emotional and psychological changes that occur during growth. Just because a child seems sad does not mean he or she has a significant problem with depression, however, if that sadness becomes persistent and begins to interfere with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, then it may indicate that he or she has a depressive illness.
- The most common symptoms of depression reported in children and adolescents are:
-Irritability and anger
-Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness
-Social withdrawal
-Changes in appetite and sleep patterns (either increased or decreased)
-Vocal outbursts or crying
-Difficulty concentrating
-Fatigue or low energy
-Physical complaints that don’t respond to treatment
-Thoughts of death or suicide
Host: What types of treatment options are available for parents?
Jim: Keep in mind that while depression should be regarded as a serious illness, it is also a treatable one. Treatment can include both individual and family therapy that is sometimes combined with antidepressant medication. It’s often helpful to ask your family physician to recommend a qualified mental health professional that they trust. What may be another family’s treatment preference may not be yours and it’s important to explore all of the available options. Many parents opt for psychotherapy before considering using medication and feel that counseling may be all that is necessary to help them sort out their feelings. However, depending on the severity of your child's depression and its causes, therapy alone, medication alone, or therapy combined with medications may be advised by your doctor. Generally speaking, a combination of both will get the best results.
Host: What can parents personally do to help their child through this tough time?
Jim:
-Talk with your child to find out what’s happening in his or her life. Keeping an open line of communication is something that I continually stress in these segments because it’s what works! If your child doesn’t feel comfortable talking about these issues, then ask them to write them down in a journal.
- Always compliment your child when they do well. Hugs and kisses can go a long way.
-Teach your child to find the humor in some things. It might sound funny but sometimes using humor to buffer bad feelings can help the child put matters into perspective. Laughter truly can be the best medicine.
-Don’t burden them with your personal problems and always set a good example. Children are always watching their parents and can benefit from seeing how you cope with daily stress. Remember that you are their role model (whether they admit it or not) and can set the precedent for their future behavior.
Host: Host: Thanks Jim! For more information on childhood depression and other parenting advice, please visit danielkids.com or news4jax.com.
Note: Sources and Links:
Science Daily
Keep Kids Healthy
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Life Positive
0 comments:
Post a Comment