Q) What is fatigue in children?
Anger, sadness, pride are normal stages of growing up in childhood which come under control with age. In some children, these emotions are prolonged or so intense that they have a negative impact on their mental and behavioral health, leading to problems later in life. Depression in children is cause for considerable concern. Depression affects the child’s thinking, thinking, behaviour and quality of life
Q) What are the symptoms of depression in children?
Depression is often misdiagnosed in children and adolescents as depression is generally assumed to be an adult problem. This is mainly because the symptoms of depression differ between adults and children. Correct identification of depression is the first step in treatment.
A child suffering from depression may show the following symptoms –
1. Losing motivation to study or doing progressively worse in school exams
2. Not wanting to go to school
3. Loss of concentration or distraction in studies or other work
4. Tired easily and feeling lethargic
5. Loss of appetite and sleep
6. Decreased thinking and judgement
7. Being upset over a small or common cause
8. Crying for no reason
9. Headache or abdominal pain that does not resolve with treatment
10. Not wanting to play with friends
11. Aversion to pleasures
Q What are the causes of depression in children?
In today’s competitive world, children are put under undue pressure to excel in academics and extracurricular activities. Parents and teachers ignore the individual characteristics of each child and judge all children with strict rules and equal punishments. Many children cannot take this kind of pressure. As they spend most of the day studying at school or at home, the tendency of depression among children is on the rise. Apart from this, various types of mental and social pressures can have a negative impact on the tender children. Children who are overly upset by mental or emotional stress are more likely to develop depression. Depression in children and adolescents has been reported for the following reasons given below or listed below.
1. Marital turmoil resulting from an alcoholic father or mother or a bad marital relationship between them causes stress on the child.
2. Physical or mental abuse, violent use or neglect
3. Untreated psychological problems such as anxiety disorders
4. Problems with learning that have affected the child’s confidence and skills
5. Depression in children can be mild, moderate or severe
The child is upset with mild depression but can lead a normal life. The child may not be particularly enthusiastic about daily activities or school but with the help of parents and some simple lifestyle changes, the child can recover from depression.
Moderate depression can have a major impact on a child’s life. The child may suffer from constant moodiness and depression. If you notice these symptoms in your child, consult a family doctor or mental health specialist immediately.
With high levels of fatigue, the child feels incompetent all the time. His mind is filled with negative thoughts which his childish mind is not able to deal with. If you notice these symptoms of deep depression in your child, immediately consult a family doctor and mental health specialist and get your child treated.
Q) Treatment of depression
Depression affects a child’s physical and mental health, as well as their learning and well-being. If you notice two or more symptoms in your child, consult a paediatrician and mental health specialist immediately. Depression is treated with both medication and therapy. The doctor will choose the right method by determining the level of depression. Cognitive behaviour therapy is a useful treatment method for depression.
Special Note – Teachers need to be made aware of mental health issues to better understand students’ mental health issues and support them
Q) Care of a depressed child !
As a parent, you should be the main supporter in dealing with your child’s depression. Here are some ways you can help your child –
1. Learn more about depression. The more aware you are about this problem, the easier it is to care for and encourage your child.
2. Develop a habit of taking medicines regularly at the right time. Make sure that he takes all the medicines regularly as per the doctor’s advice.
3. Always talk to the baby carefully. Let him express all his thoughts. Never ignore his problems or thoughts.
4. Pay attention to the situation or signal signs. Avoid situations as much as possible that could aggravate your baby’s lethargy.
5. Talk to your child’s doctor, teacher, and other experts to find out how you can help your child stay healthy.
6. Take care of the child’s physical health. Exercise and other physical activities help keep the child in a good mood.
7. Monitor baby’s diet and nutrition. A balanced diet is absolutely essential for physical and mental health.
Author Sradhanjali Dasgupta
Consultant Psychologist, Speaker , Learning Developmental Coach, Teacher and trainer Miss. Sradhanjali Dasgupta has been extensively working in the field of Counselling and education for the past few years in several Clinics, Hospitals, NGOs and educational sectors. She also contributes her writings and blogs in various newspapers, magazines and e- magazines Her training and workshops are both for the corporate as well as for the educational sector and are geared up for learning and development,upgradation and capacity building. She have actively taken part in many debates
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