Understanding Depression

Occasionally being sad or feeling hopeless is a part of every child’s life. However, some children feel sad or uninterested in things that they used to enjoy, or feel helpless or hopeless in situations they are able to change.

When children feel persistent sadness and hopelessness, they may be diagnosed with depression.

Symptoms of Depression:

  • Loss of interest in things you like to do.

  • Loss of warm feelings for family or friend.

  • Feelings of self blame or guilt.

  • Loss of self esteem

  • Inexplicable crying spells, sadness or irritability

  • Suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviors


Common Types of Depression:

Major Depression

This type causes symptoms that may: Begin suddenly, possibly triggered by a loss, crisis or change Interfere with normal functioning.

Continue for months or years. It is possible for a person to have only one episode of major depression. It is more common for episodes to be long-lasting or to occur several times during a person’s life

Dysthmia

People with this illness are mildly depressed for years. They function fairly well on a daily basis but their relationships suffer over time.

Season Affective Disorder

This is a depression that results from changes in the season. Most cases begin in the fall or winter, or when there is a decrease in sunlight.

Treatment for Depression

Antidepressants can help ease the symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning. Antidepressants are not habit-forming.

Psychotherapy

This can help many depressed people understand themselves and cope with their problems.

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