When we think of a depressed child, we often envision a morose child who is consistently sad. However, sadness may not be the symptom that defines whether a child is depressed. It is estimated that five percent of all children suffer from serious depression that requires some form of treatment and intervention by physicians and other health care workers. The most important thing that we can do as parents and teachers is to learn to identify the signs and symptoms of this condition, so that proper action can be taken.
Art and play
Children experience and manifest depressive symptoms in a unique set of ways, different from adults. Many children cannot identify their depression with the use of words, so it is vital to recognize other clues. Very young children, for instance, may show depressive signs in their play and drawings with the use of dark colors and sad themes. Depressed children may consistently paint trees without leaves, branches or fruit; they may draw broken down houses, and depict crying moons, suns and animals. They may even paint images of themselves and family members that seem lifeless, sad or morbid. These may be signs that their mood is being greatly affected. Such depressive themes in art and play may indicate the possibility of a primary genetic inheritance of depression, a reaction to family and school stressors, or both.
Behavioral problems
Depressed children may develop new behavioral problems at home and school. They may be persistently irritable a...
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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