Depression
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid.
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression is a mental health issue which affects the mood of a child frequently and for long periods of time (more than 2 weeks) making them unhappy, irritable and sad. Depression is accompanied by physical symptoms.
Children with depression are regarded as children with special educational needs.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Girls are diagnosed with depression twice as much as boys.
If you feel your child is depressed please contact your health provider and their school immediately so help and treatment can be provided once diagnosed.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR SELF ASSESSMENT FOR DEPRESSION
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH DEPRESSION DISPLAY?
The symptoms a child with depression may have are:
- They feel hopeless, worthless and very sad
- They can lose their appetite
- They have difficulty sleeping
- They can lose interest in their hobbies
- They have difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Thy can be pessimistic
- They have low energy and feel tired most of the time.
- They tend to dry a lot
- They can think about suicide
- They can think about dying
- They can have emotional outbursts
- They often have stomach aches and headaches.
- They can start isolating themselves
- They either lose weight or gain weight depending how the depression affects their eating habits.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE DEPRESSION BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
Similar to many mental health disorders, the exact cause of depression is unknown. However, there may be a genetic element to it and it could be inherited but even if it is there are many factors which play a part in its development in the child. They are:
- A family history of depression
- The child’s natural inherited temperament
- A disruption of the neurotransmitters in the brain.
- A traumatic or violent episode
- Family breakdown
- Abuse
- Being bullied
- Injury
- Illness
- Social environment that can make a child have low self esteem, feeling inadequate and ugly
- Over controlling parents
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION?
Children can start showing the signs of depression from the age of 3 years however, it can be identified earlier. For the majority of cases depression occurs during the teenage years.
CAN DEPRESSION GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
Depression is a treatable condition that can be managed and controlled. It cannot be fully cured but treatment is effective.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DEPRESSION?
1. Major depressive disorder – Individuals who have this type of depression will display symptoms between 2 weeks and many months. There is a distinct change in mood. An episode of depression can return if not treated properly and if other and new environmental factors have a play.
2. Persistent depressive disorder – This depression is a milder form of major depressive disorder except the symptoms are present for over a year or so. The symptoms can fluctuate in severity during the depression period. This type of depression is also known as dysthymia.
3. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder – A child with this type of depression has many temper tantrums (2-3 a week) and is constantly irritable but is not interested in being defiant against authority. They cannot regulate their symptoms and their tolerance level is small. This depression can start in children below the age of 10 years, This child is This type of depression is also known as DMDD
4. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder – This type of depression affects some girls up to a week before their period. This disorder is more severe than PMS (usually associated with period) because the girl can experience many of the symptoms of major depressive disorder (angry, depressed, anxious) as well as cramps, body aches and tender breasts. The symptoms end when the period starts. This type of depression is also known as PMDD.
5. Seasonal affective disorder – This type of depression is because of the change in seasons and the symptoms occur during specific months. The symptoms are the same as that of major depressive disorder. This type of depression is also known as SAD or major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. The symptoms are not due to any events that occurred during these months, they are due solely to the seasons.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS DEPRESSION?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for depression. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS DESPRESSION CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from depression can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has depression you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has depression.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has depression. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has depression and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.