Children and adolescents can develop depression as well even though most people think of depression as an adult illness. As a result of which, the children battling depression are termed ‘Generation Depression‘. Many depressed children are devoid from getting regular treatments because adults don’t recognize they’re depressed. Thus, it’s important for the society to learn about depression among children. Depression in children is way different than in adults. While adults with depression look sad, children and teens who suffer from depression appear more irritable and angrier.
Signs of depression:
A child might insist that he/she is fine or may deny that he/she is experiencing problems. Majority of the parents pass off their child’s depression as a phase or assume it’s part of normal development. But, if the phase lasts longer than two weeks, it may be a sign of acute depression. Some children with depression have physical complaints and report more stomach-aches and headaches than their peers.

Parental misconception:
Sometimes adults assume kids have nothing to be depressed about since they don’t have to worry about adult issues, like paying bills or running a household. But kids experience stress at their age too. Even children who live relatively stress-free lives may develop signs of depression. Children who are raised in good homes with loving parents can also become the victim of depression.
For kids, from infancy through the adolescent years, sound parent-kid attachment can help shield the kid. Parental practices that will in general encourage wellbeing of their youngsters include love and care and mindful responsiveness to the kid’s necessities.
Preventing depression in childhood will in general include tending to hazard factors, both explicit and vague, fortifying other defensive factors, and utilizing a methodology for the child’s formative level. Such projects regularly utilize intellectual conduct or potentially relational methodologies, just as family-based avoidance techniques since research shows that these intercessions are the best.
Defensive variables for depression in children incorporate including steady grown-ups, family and companion connections, sound adapting abilities and passionate guideline. Children of a discouraged parent will in general be stronger when the child is readier to focus on age-suitable tasks in their lives and on their connections, just as having the option to comprehend their condition. For depressed guardians, their kids appear to be less inclined to build up the turmoil when the parent can exhibit a pledge to proper parenting.
Causes:
It is not the parents’ fault if your child is depressed. While stressful life events, like divorce and domestic violence may contribute to depression, it’s only a small piece of the puzzle. In addition to this, there are a number of different factors that can contribute to childhood depression that include:
- Brain functioning : Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters and hormones may play a role in how the brain works, which can affect moods and emotions and increase the risk of experiencing depression in children.
- Family history: Children with family members who also have depression are at a greater risk for experiencing symptoms of depressive disorders.
- Stress or trauma: Sudden changes such academic problems or divorce, or traumatic events such as abuse or assault can also contribute to feelings of depression.
- Environmental factors: A stressful chaotic, or unstable home environment can also make children stressed. Rejection and bullying at school may also act as contributing factor. A very new concept of interpersonal victimhood has also found its way to promoting depression in children.
India has seen a rise in #mentalillness, such as #depression and #anxiety, among children and adolescents. This high magnitude of mental disorders among children and adolescents in India is alarming for the future of the country. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/Z5RF790j1q
— NNDC- India Foundation (@nndcif) May 4, 2020
Diagnosis:
If you suspect your child shows signs of symptoms, the paediatrician is a good place to start. Schedule an appointment with the physician and talk about your concerns regarding your child’s behaviour.
A mental health evaluation may involve your doctor speaking to your child in your absence. A doctor may use psychological assessments to further evaluate the type and severity of the symptoms your child is experiencing as there is no specific test for depression. If warranted, the child may be referred to a mental health professional if severity persists.

Treatment:
Treatment options often involve medications, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of all. Sometimes parents fear that depression treatment might involve expensive medications that might have serious side effects. But, medication isn’t always needed to treat depression. Another viable treatment called talk therapy can be used with or without medication. The treatment plans your child’s doctor or psychiatrist recommends will depend on the nature and severity of your child’s depression.