What Is Childhood Depression and What Causes It?

Childhood depression is a mental health condition that many children and adolescents suffer from. Is childhood depression common?According to statistics, 1 in every 33 children and 1 in 8 adolescents suffer from depression, but nearly two-thirds of these children do not get the help they need.

If we are to identify and tackle this issue promptly and provide necessary support and intervention, it is crucial to understand what childhood depression is and its causes. Doing so can help parents, caregivers, and educators recognize the signs and symptoms, seek appropriate help, and create a supportive environment for affected children.

What is Childhood Depression?

Childhood depression is often hard to identify because when a child is sad, it does not necessarily mean they are suffering from depression. But if the sadness is persistent or interferes with daily life (such as schoolwork, social activities, interests, or family), the child is diagnosed as depressed.

What are the Differences Between Childhood and Adult Depression?

Childhood depression and adult depression are similar in many ways, although some key differences exist. Children generally face difficulty expressing their emotions verbally, which makes it challenging for adults to recognize their distress.

Secondly, the symptoms of depression in children may manifest differently from adults. For instance, instead of overwhelming sadness (a primary symptom of adult depression), children may exhibit irritability, crankiness, or behavioral problems as indicators of their internal struggles.

As noted, the manifestation and severity of symptoms may vary, and a professional evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Depression

What does childhood depression look like?Childhood depression can manifest through various signs and symptoms across emotional, behavioral, and cognitive domains.

Emotional symptoms 

Children experiencing depression may exhibit the following emotional symptoms:

• Persistent sadness or irritability
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Low self-esteem
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Frequent crying or tearfulness

Behavioral symptoms 

Depression can also impact a child’s behavior, leading to:

• Withdrawal from social interactions and activities
• A change in appetite or weight (either an increase or decrease)
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
• Restlessness or agitation
• Lack of energy or motivation

Cognitive symptoms 

Children with depression may demonstrate symptoms such as:

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Negative thinking patterns
• Thoughts of death or suicide (this is very serious and requires immediate professional help)

Causes of Childhood Depression / Risk Factors

What causes childhood depression? Childhood depression generally results from a combination of biological, environmental, and psychosocial elements.

Biological factors:

• Genetics: Children with a family history of depression or other mood disorders may have a higher risk of developing depression.
• Brain chemistry: Depression is related to changes in dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

Environmental factors:

• Life stressors: Events such as divorce, moving, and losing a loved one can cause depression.
• Trauma: Can childhood trauma cause depression? Children who experience physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or other traumatic events may be at a higher risk of developing depression.
• Chronic illness: Children with chronic sickness, such as diabetes or asthma, may face a higher risk of developing depression.

Psychosocial factors:

• Low self-esteem: Children with low self-esteem or a negative self-image may be at a higher risk of developing depression.
• Negative thinking patterns: Children with negative thinking patterns, such as constant self-blame or always expecting the worst, may be at a higher risk of developing depression.
• Lack of social support: Children who lack social support from family and friends are more at risk of developing depression.

Importance of Early Detection and Intervention

Early detection and intervention of childhood depression are crucial for several reasons:

• Preventing future episodes: Early detection and intervention can help prevent future, prolonged, and more severe depressive episodes.
• Improving psychosocial, physical, and emotional functioning: Depression has debilitating effects on psychosocial, physical, and emotional functioning. Early detection and intervention can help improve these areas of functioning.
• Reducing the risk of suicide: Depression in childhood and adolescence can pose a risk of suicide. Early detection and intervention can help lower this risk.
• Increasing treatment success: Early detection and intervention can increase the success of treatment approaches.
• Improving the quality of life: Children and adolescents with depression can benefit from early detection and intervention.

Prevention and Support for Childhood Depression

So, how to treat childhood depression? Here are some ways to prevent and support childhood depression:

• Early detection and intervention: Early detection and intervention can help prevent future, prolonged, and more severe depressive episodes.
• Open communication: Children and adolescents generally do not bring up their feelings. Encouraging children to share their feelings by listening without judgment is generally the best way to prevent childhood depression.
• Education: Understanding childhood depression and supporting your child begins with educating yourself and others about the condition.
• Treatment: If your child has depression, the doctor may provide treatment or refer your family to a mental health specialist for treatment. Treatment may include a combination of therapy, medication, and exercise.
• Prevention programs: Programs aimed at preventing and reducing anxiety and depression in early childhood have been developed and show promise.
• Collaboration with public health services and schools: Public health services and schools can work together to improve early detection and prevention.

Consult with Experts at New Era in Connecticut 

You should seek assistance from professionals if you suspect your child is suffering from depression or if you need support in managing their mental health. New Era Rehabilitation offers specialized support tailored to the unique needs of children and families facing childhood depression. For family and individual therapy services in Connecticut, contact us!