Depressed Kids This subject is very close to my heart, I have a 13-year-old son that suffers from depression. He does not have all the symptoms but enough. He has a rare blood disorder that caused him to be a very sick little boy so I pampered him a lot while he was growing up. When he was six he had his spleen removed, that seemed to take care of most of his medical problems. Because of this disorder, the Doctor did not know how he would react to different illness. He seemed fine but when he was about seven he stared complaining about dizziness and nausea, then chest pains, I would take him to our family doctor who would treat the symptoms. Then when he was 8 he started getting itchy his arms are scared from his scratching I took him to a dermatologist who said he had a winter rash and gave me ointment to put on it and he told me I shouldn't bath him so much. The itching continued and he has scars all over his arms and legs from scratching. Well this year it got worse, as did all of his other symptoms; I decided it was time to go back to his hematologist. Dr. Reynolds listened to his heart and looked at his skin, then sent him down for more blood work and kept me in his office. This is a very depressed little boy he needs help! Well I had taken him to a counselor the year before, and felt she did more harm then good, so I fired her. Dr. Reynolds (bless him) understands our situation and said well first off he needs a male counselor. Therefore, he found one for us. In addition, we have been going for a couple of months now; it really seems to be working. His itching has stopped for the most part. I will try to explain Self-abusive behavior on my next page. His other symptoms have also improved. Unfortunately The counselor we were seeing live 40 miles away. I changed jobs and could not make it in early enough to make appointments and my new insurance does not cover mental illness. This year I was able to find a program to help him he once again has a male counselor who sees him at school. Right now, nothing seems to be working each year his depression gets worse and with that his schoolwork. They wanted to hold him back in 6th grade but after talking to his Doctor, we decided that would not be the best thing for him so I allowed him to advance. I guess it was a mistake because he is flunking most of his classes again. He is very sad and angry. I have no answers. The Teachers tell me he will not do his work, I try but I cannot motivate him. I know they get frustrated with him, unfortunately, because of that, they get angry and a few have even called him lazy, I do know this does not help him. The more he is belittled the more he shuts down. He does have some very good Teachers that have really worked with him; though he is not passing any class with excellence he tends to do better in those classes. That is the update for this year; I just pray that he will start doing better. Childhood Depression Can Occur at Any Time Although the symptoms can be similar to adult depression, erratic behaviors that may mimic another disorder can also manifest itself in children. Depression is a very real disorder. It's been referred to as the common cold of mental illnesses. Approximately five per cent of children will develop a form of depression. Too often, depression in children is overlooked or misdiagnosed. It may not be diagnosed until the child is clearly showing behavioral issues. Unfortunately, depression can impede a child's development. Medical intervention is essential. What are the symptoms of depression in kids? Although the symptoms can be similar to adult depression, erratic behaviors that may mimic another disorder can also manifest itself in children. If your child is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below for longer than two weeks, contact your family physician for a referral to a mental health specialist. It is noted that individuals will naturally have symptoms of depression after a life altering event. This does not mean that the individual is suffering from clinical depression. Does your child have these behaviors? Overly sensitive, constant whining and/or crying. Aggressive behaviors. Changes in eating patterns, including weight loss or gains. Sleeping issues, a need for more sleep or the inability to fall asleep. Problems staying focused, and a lack of interest in favorite activities. Drug or alcohol use. Self-abusive behaviors. Negative comments about self. A decline in school work. Peer/friend problems. Talks about dying or wishing that they were never born. Excessive fears. We can't make our child "snap out of it." It is crucial to seek medical intervention, particularly during a child's developing years. Not only can depression hamper development, it can create negative behavioral patterns that a child could likely carry over into adulthood. Depression can hamper learning and social abilities. Repercussions can last a lifetime if qualified care is not received. Treatment is readily available. Without treatment, a depressive episode will typically last about nine months and can reoccur. A treated episode of depression is usually much shorter in duration. Treatment gives the child/family lifelong coping skills. Treatment includes: A thorough medical/diagnostic evaluation. An evaluation of family dynamics. An evaluation of the social-educational setting. Family and individual therapy. Changes in school environment or classroom setting if required. Medications, if needed are available to stabilize moods and anxieties. Empowering the child and family by educating them about depression. There are numerous resources available in communities where you can seek advice and support. Don't be afraid or ashamed to seek medical assistance immediately. The sooner a treatment plan is implemented, the sooner your child will recover. Wings of madness Depression in Children Parenting Special Needs Music Therapy: The Power of Music CyberParent.com - Depression Symptoms in Children Brown Univ. Child and Adol. Behav. - Depression in Kids