Children may have a
difficult time understanding the concepts of mental health and wellbeing
because they do not understand how their emotions, thoughts and behaviors can
affect themselves or others. They may have trouble understanding the concepts
of mental health and wellbeing because they are not taught these concepts in
school. They may also not understand the importance of mental health because
they do not understand the benefits of having a healthy body and mind.
Children’s mental health
is a growing concern in the United States. A recent report from the National
Center for Mental Health indicates that 1 in 6 children has a mental health
condition, with these children experiencing significant academic, behavioral,
social, and emotional challenges. Children with mental health conditions often
are not identified until their condition significantly impacts their
functioning at school or with peers. Mental health conditions can manifest at
any age, but they often show up in childhood or adolescence.
We help our children
feel good about themselves with a safe atmosphere and a caring atmosphere at
school.
Children manifest their
mental health in many ways. They may exhibit behavioral problems, anxiety, or
sadness. They may have trouble sleeping. They may feel irritable.
Children’s mental health
is of critical importance, yet is often neglected by school systems and
society. When children’s mental health is neglected, it has a lasting impact on
their future development and overall well-being.
We help children feel
good about themselves with a safe atmosphere and a caring atmosphere at school.
The mental health of our
children is an important concern. In fact, mental health disorders are the most
common behavioral health disorder among children and adolescents.
Mental health is a
critical component of a child’s social, emotional, and physical development. It
is important to strengthen children’s mental health at an early age to help
them develop a healthy sense of identity and well-being.
WHY CHILDREN’S MENTAL
HEALTH IS OFTEN NEGLECTED: The importance of children’s mental health has been
recognized since the early 1900s. Since then, mental health promotion efforts
have focused on improving the mental health of children and adolescents.
Depressed children and
youth are at greater risk for additional mental health problems later in life,
including depression and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and
suicide. They are also at higher risk for school failure, poor academic
performance, and dropout.
Depression is the
leading cause of disability in the United States among people age 15 to 24
(M.L. Bickford, 2009). Depression is also the leading cause of lost
productivity in the workplace and is the second leading cause of death in the
United States for people age 15 to 24 (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 2014).
With a little help, kids
with depression can become empowered to manage their symptoms and improve their
mental health. This resource provides information and ideas to help children and
adolescents understand depression, how to recognize it, and how to feel better.
Depression is a mental
health disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness. Depression can
also affect a person’s ability to think and act. Depression can begin at any
age, but is most common in young adults and is more likely to occur in women
than men.
To better understand how
to help children with depression, I have organized the resources I have found
into the following categories: information about depression in children;
information about depression in young people; information about depression in
the schools; and information about depression treatment and prevention.
Maintain an open
dialogue with your child about depression and other mental health conditions.
Is a key component to
helping children and adolescents with mental health concerns? When children
feel understood and supported, they are more likely to seek help when needed.
With children so that
they feel they can share their feelings between school staff and families about
the well-being of children.
With students, teachers,
and other staff members by asking questions about the well being of students.
Depression can be hard
to recognize in children because it often seems like symptoms of other problems
such as an eating disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Young people with depression often have unusual behaviors, such as not wanting
to be around other people, not wanting to eat, not sleeping, or acting in a
very anxious, worried, or sad way.
Many children and teens
with depression have not received a diagnosis. This is a major problem, as
children and teens with undiagnosed depression may not receive the treatment
they need.
Depression is different from
sadness or feeling blue. Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by
persistent sad, anxious, or confused emotions, along with physical symptoms
such as changes in sleeping, eating, and/or energy levels. The physical
symptoms of depression can include problems thinking, concentrating, and making
decisions, as well as changes in behavior or mood.
If you notice any of the
warning signs of depression, talk to your child’s doctor or mental health care
provider right away.
Depression is a serious
illness, and it is not always easy to recognize the warning signs in children.
Depression may be more noticeable in children than in adults. The following behaviors are common warning signs of depression in children, teens, and young adults:
1. Changes in sleep
patterns or sleep patterns that last longer than usual (sleeping too much or
too little)
2. Loss of interest or
pleasure in activities that once were enjoyable
3. Depression often
begins with feelings of sadness or hopelessness. But depression can also look
like irritability, anger, or loss of interest.
Many children and teens with depression have not received a diagnosis. This is a major problem, as children and teens with undiagnosed depression may not receive the treatment they need.
A diagnosis of
depression is based on information from a child or teen, a parent or caregiver,
and a doctor. Depression is a common problem in children and young adults, and
it can get better with treatment.
Depression can be hard
to recognize in children because it often seems like symptoms of other problems
such as an eating disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Young people with depression often have unusual behaviors, such as not wanting
to be around other people, not wanting to eat, not sleeping, or acting in a
very anxious, worried, or sad way.
Depression can make
people feel like they don’t want to do anything. They may become restless, have
difficulty focusing, and may have trouble sleeping or eating.
Children or teens may
not want to do things they once enjoyed, such as playing sports or studying.
They may seem unmotivated to do things that are important to them.
Many children and teens
with depression have not received a diagnosis. This is a major problem, as
children and teens with undiagnosed depression may not receive the treatment
they need.
Low self-esteem is common among people with depression. This may affect your self-esteem, too. People with low self-esteem may have trouble being themselves and may try to change how they look or act to make themselves look better. It is a feeling of inadequacy and worthlessness. It is normal for children and teens to feel this way, especially when they are growing up and cannot understand their feelings or deal with problems on their own.
Children and teens with
depression may have trouble concentrating or making decisions. This can affect
how well they do in school, on assignments, and in tests.
Depression often leads
to decreased motivation and ability to pay attention to schoolwork. Low
self-esteem can affect school performance. If you notice a change in your
child’s school performance, talk to your child’s doctor or mental health care
provider right away.
Depression can be hard
to recognize in children because it often seems like symptoms of other problems
such as an eating disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Depression is a brain
disorder that can cause problems with thinking, memory, and mood. It is
important to remember that people with depression often feel they don’t have
control over their emotions.
Many people who have
experienced depression or other mental health problems can go on to live happy,
fulfilling lives.
If your child is
struggling in school, contact your school’s counseling department.
Conclusion
Depression is a condition that affects how a person feels, behaves, and acts on the outside. It is also a mental health condition. It should be handled with due attention when it comes to your little ones because it hits harder to kids than adults.
