Five Ways to Prevent Depression in Children


Posted December 10, 2013 by icontrolmyhealth

Childhood depression has become a public health issue, and therefore deserves special attention. As per the National Co-morbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A), about 11 percent of adolescents suffer from depression by age 18 in the US.

 
Childhood depression has become a public health issue, and therefore deserves special attention. As per the National Co-morbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A), about 11 percent of adolescents suffer from depression by age 18 in the US. Depression may have some physical and mental consequences that may impede social and cognitive development in children. People who suffer from depression in childhood tend to be at risk of developing some mental as well physical illnesses in adulthood. Taking this into consideration, managing childhood depression appears highly essential. Given below are some tips that can help you identify and prevent depression in children.
Identify Depressive Symptoms
Younger children who are depressed may often complain of feeling sick, refuse to go to school, or may unnecessarily worry of losing their parent. Teen agers too find it difficult to attend school, have negative thoughts, or lose interest in all activities they liked before. Some children may also show suicidal tendency.
Understand Risk Factors
Some social and biological factors that may put a child at risk of developing depression include,
• Parents with depression
• Sexual abuse or other negative experiences
• Ignorance or separation from parents
• Serious mental or physical illnesses
Talk to the Child Showing Signs of Depression
Children who suffer from a bad phase of depression tend to avoid people and isolate themselves from crowd. Don’t ignore if the child is appearing sad for more than a week. When you notice change in their behavior, try to engage them in some kind of conversation.
Seek Medical Help
Depression is a clinical condition which often requires long term treatment. Do not assume that the condition will improve on its own. If you notice depressive symptoms in children, do not hesitate to seek medical help.


Consider Natural Ways to Control Depression
Certain antidepressant medications, called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can be beneficial in treating depression in children and adolescents. However, if you are concerned about the side effects these drugs cause, you may consider some of the non-conventional ways to manage depression in children. But, you must first consult your health care professional before considering any of the non-conventional approaches for treatment of depression in children. Some of the non-conventional approaches for the treatment of depression are:
St. John’s Wort (SJW): SJW is an herbal drug that is notable for its ability to treat mild-to-moderate depression. Studies report that SJW is safe and effective treatment for children with symptoms of depression.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are found in seafood, especially in wild salmon, striped bass, mackerel, rainbow trout, halibut, and sardines. Studies report that omega-3 fatty acids may have therapeutic benefits in childhood depression.
Exercise: Exercise is an excellent option to lift up your mood. Studies support the positive effects of aerobic exercise on reducing depression, and anxiety in children.
Depression is a serious condition, and can affect children too. Recognizing its symptoms, and taking quick measures of prevention is essential, to avoid possibility of suicidal attempts arising from depression.
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Issued By icontrolmyhealth
Country India
Categories Fitness , Health
Tags diseases and treatment options , fitness , health amp lifestyle , living a healthy lifestyle
Last Updated December 10, 2013