Disrupted Attachment And Bonding
When parents struggle with the low energy, lack of joy, and the social withdrawal depression causes, they cant engage fully with their children. They may even have trouble mustering energy to take care of a childs basic needs, so children learn to rely on themselves when parents are too hard to reach.
Lisa Marie Presley Who Died At Age 54 Had Previously Spoken About Her Struggles With Drug Addiction Which Took The Life Of Her Father Elvis Presley When She Was 9 Years Old
Lisa Marie Presley daughter of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley died Thursday evening after being rushed to the hospital for a possible cardiac arrest earlier in the day, her mother confirmed to PEOPLE. She was 54.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Priscilla said in a statement. “She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
Prior to her death, Lisa Marie’s setbacks were often in the spotlight, including her battle with addiction.
The singer-songwriter first revealed her addiction to painkillers and opioids in the foreword for Harry Nelson’s book The United States of Opioids: A Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain.
“You may read this and wonder how, after losing people close to me, I also fell prey to opioids,” wrote Lisa Marie, who saw both her father Elvis and ex-husband Michael Jackson die of complications from drug use.
For more on Lisa Marie Presley, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.
“I was recovering after the birth of my daughters, Vivienne and Finley, when a doctor prescribed me opioids for pain,” she continued. “It only took a short-term prescription of opioids in the hospital for me to feel the need to keep taking them” due to their dangerous addictive properties.
Ask For Professional Help With Parenting
In my practice, I find parents with depression benefit from specific guidance on how to parent effectively, not just how to manage their own symptoms. A professional can help you understand typical childhood behavior, how your unique symptoms might affect that behavior, and how to develop a parenting style that works best for you.
Also Check: Steps To Deal With Depression
Depression In Teens Vs Adults
Depression in teens can look very different from depression in adults. The following signs and symptoms are more common in teenagers than in their adult counterparts:
Irritable or angry mood. As noted, irritability, rather than sadness, is often the predominant mood in depressed teens. A depressed teenager may be grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts.
Unexplained aches and pains. Depressed teens frequently complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches. If a thorough physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, these aches and pains may indicate depression.
Extreme sensitivity to criticism. Depressed teens are plagued by feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure. This is a particular problem for over-achievers.
Withdrawing from some, but not all people. While adults tend to isolate themselves when depressed, teenagers usually keep up at least some friendships. However, teens with depression may socialize less than before, pull away from their parents, or start hanging out with a different crowd.
What Are The Treatment Options
Treatment options for children with depression are similar to those for adults, including psychotherapy and medication. Your child’s doctor may suggest psychotherapy first and consider antidepressant medicine as an option if there is no significant improvement. The best studies to date show that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is most effective at treating depression.
But studies do show that the antidepressant fluoxetine is effective in treating depression in children and teens. The drug is officially recognized by the FDA for treatment of children ages 8 to 18 with depression.
Most medications used to treat depression in children have a black box warning about the possibility of increasing suicidal thoughts. It is important to start and monitor these medications under the care of a trained professional and talk with them about the potential risks and benefits for your child.
Treating children who have bipolar disorder
Children with bipolar disorder are usually treated with psychotherapy and a combination of medicines, usually an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer.
Antidepressants need to be used with caution, as they can trigger bouts of manic or hyperactive behavior in children with bipolar disorder. Managing a child’s medication must be part of an overall care plan that includes therapy and routine primary care appointments.
You May Like: Ways To Feel Happy When Depressed
Can Children Really Have Depression
Yes. Childhood depression is different from the normal “blues” and everyday emotions that children go through as they develop. Just because a child seems sad doesn’t necessarily mean they have significant depression. But if the sadness becomes persistent or interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, it may mean they have a depressive illness. Keep in mind that while depression is a serious illness, itâs also a treatable one.
My Emotions Arent My Enemies Now I Understand Them Better
People whove overcome depression acquire new strategies to better understand and regulate their emotions. Previously, they were blocked by stress, anguish, irritability, sadness, or fear. Now, they know that they must understand the message behind these psychophysiological states.
A study conducted by the University of Bergamo highlights how emotional dysregulation and ruminative thought patterns lead to depressive states. For this reason, those who manage to overcome depression acquire a new approach to the world of emotions. They learn how to regulate their emotions in order to better respond to each circumstance.
Recovery from a psychological disorder empowers sufferers with better strategies with which to deal with possible potholes and challenges that may arise in the future.
Also Check: Is Always Being Tired A Sign Of Depression
How To Communicate With A Depressed Teen
Focus on listening, not lecturing. Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your teenager begins to talk. The important thing is that your child is communicating. You’ll do the most good by simply letting your teen know that you’re there for them, fully and unconditionally.
Be gentle but persistent. Don’t give up if they shut you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Even if they want to, they may have a hard time expressing what they’re feeling. Be respectful of your child’s comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen.
Acknowledge their feelings. Don’t try to talk your teen out of depression, even if their feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Well-meaning attempts to explain why things aren’t that bad will just come across as if you don’t take their emotions seriously. Simply acknowledging the pain and sadness they are experiencing can go a long way in making them feel understood and supported.
Trust your gut. If your teen claims nothing is wrong but has no explanation for what is causing the depressed behavior, you should trust your instincts. If your teen won’t open up to you, consider turning to a trusted third party: a school counselor, favorite teacher, or a mental health professional. The important thing is to get them talking to someone.
Increased Parental Guilt Or Self
Parents who suffer from depression usually know their symptoms affect their parenting, but may find it difficult to make changes they know their children need. In addition, the negative thought patterns and rumination that go along with depression may make parents assume their parenting is worse than it really is.
These factors set up a cycle of guilt and self-criticism that further shakes a parents confidence in his or her abilities. In fact, a study in the Maternal and Child Health Journal found that feeling more effective as a parent may decrease the parents depressive symptoms.
Recommended Reading: Anti Depression Meds For Pain
Treatment For Major Depression
Specific treatment for major depression will be determined by your child’s health care provider based on:
-
Your child’s age, overall health, and medical history
-
Extent of your child’s symptoms
-
Your child’s tolerance for specific medications or therapies
-
Expectations for the course of the condition
-
Your opinion or preference
Mood disorders, including major depression, can often be effectively treated. Treatment should always be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the child and family. Treatment may include 1, or more, of the following:
-
Antidepressant medications
-
Psychotherapy for the child
-
Consultation with the child’s school
Parents play a vital supportive role in any treatment process.
For several reasons, many parents of children or adolescents with depression never seek the appropriate treatment for their child, although many people with major depression who seek treatment improve usually within weeks. Continued treatment may help to prevent reoccurrence of the depressive symptoms.
How Common Is Childhood Depression And Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health disorders in children. About 7% of children ages 3 to 17 have anxiety about 3% deal with depression.
Both depression and anxiety tend to be higher in older children and teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. An estimated 3.2 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 13.3% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17. An estimated 31.9% of adolescents have had an anxiety disorder.
Read Also: Vraylar For Anxiety And Depression
Signs And Symptoms Of Depression In Children
If you notice any of the following signs in your child, and these signs last longer than about 2 weeks, your child might have depression.
Changes in your childs emotions or behaviour You might notice that your child:
- seems sad or unhappy most of the time
- is irritable, cranky or aggressive, wont do what you ask most of the time, or has a lot of temper tantrums
- says negative things about themselves for example, Im not good at anything or No-one at school likes me
- feels guilty for example, your child might say Its always my fault
- is afraid or worried a lot
- keeps saying their tummy or head hurts, and these problems dont seem to have a physical or medical cause.
Changes in your childs interest in everyday activities You might notice that your child:
- doesnt have as much energy as they usually do
- doesnt want to be around friends and family
- isnt interested in playing or doing things they used to enjoy
- has problems sleeping, including nightmares
- is eating differently for example, theyre eating more or less food than usual
- has problems concentrating, remembering things or making simple decisions.
Changes in your childs behaviour or academic performance at school If your child is at school, you might also notice that your child:
- isnt doing as well academically as they used to
- isnt taking part in school activities
- has problems fitting in at school or getting along with other children.
How Can I Tell If My Child Is Depressed
If a child is depressed, parents may notice some of these signs:
- Sad or bad mood. A child may seem sad, lonely, unhappy, or grouchy. It can last weeks or months. A child may cry more easily. They may have more tantrums than before.
- Being self-critical. Kids going through depression may complain a lot. They may say self-critical things like, “I can’t do anything right.” “I don’t have any friends.” “I can’t do this.” “It’s too hard for me.”
- Lack of energy and effort. Depression can drain a child’s energy. They might put less effort into school than before. Even doing little tasks can feel like too much effort. Kids may seem tired, give up easily, or not try.
- Not enjoying things. Kids don’t have as much fun with friends or enjoy playing like before. They may not feel like doing things they used to enjoy.
- Sleep and eating changes. Kids may not sleep well or seem tired even if they get enough sleep. Some may not feel like eating. Others may overeat.
- Aches and pains. Some children may have stomach aches or other pains. Some miss school days because of not feeling well, even though they aren’t sick.
You May Like: I Am Fat And Depressed
Open Lines Of Communication
Talking through issues and emotions with children is important for their mental well-being. But kids dont always know how to express what they are feeling, especially when it comes to depression.
Instead of asking them if theyre sad or ask why they seem so grumpy, just open the conversation by telling your child youve noticed something different about his behavior lately and that you want to find out how hes really doing.
Depression Is More Than Sadness Impact Is Far
Depression is more than simply feeling sad it impacts individuals on a social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive level.
Individuals with depression may have difficulty completing challenging tasks. They may feel confused, overwhelmed or easily frustrated. Even basic everyday tasks become difficult. Depression can leave some individuals feeling irritable, agitated, anxious and unable to focus. Others find they are no longer interested in hobbies, activities or learning new things.
Mood swings make it hard to pay attention, while feelings of hopelessness or low self-esteem can cause individuals to believe they shouldnt bother or simply cant learn new things. Further, depression puts students at a disadvantage given the social nature of learning in schools.
Depression is not easily recognized or may be mistaken as another problem, such as lack of motivation. Although severe depression might manifest as suicidal thoughts or attempts, severe withdrawal, or emotional swings, the vast majority of cases are much milder and do not attract attention from adults. Moreover, children and adolescents are less likely than adults to refer themselves for mental health problems.
Read Also: What To Do When Feeling Depressed
How Is Major Depression Diagnosed
Because depression has shown to often coexist with other psychiatric disorders, such as substance abuse or anxiety disorders, seeking early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to the recovery of your child.
A child psychiatrist or other mental health professional usually diagnoses major depression following a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. An evaluation of the child’s family, when possible, in addition to information provided by teachers and care providers may also be helpful in making a diagnosis.
Ive Learned That Im Not Alone And That My Mind Was Deceiving Me
Depression tells the sufferer huge lies. The most common and dangerous of them involve making them believe that theyre alone, that no one can understand them, and that they dont deserve to be loved. Such is the contempt that individuals might feel for themselves in these circumstances. In fact, their most frequent reaction is to resort to isolation.
However, during the process of healing and dealing with this disorder, sufferers become aware of those falsehoods that have been reinforced. They realize that there are people who love them, care about them, and on whose shoulders they can cry. Realizing the affection and understanding that surrounds them is one of the most significant steps in beating depression.
You May Like: Cbt For Teenage Depression Worksheets
Making A Support Plan
If your child is experiencing depression and needs ongoing support, it can be helpful to create a support plan together with the professionals around your child so that you know exactly what help is available and how your child can access it. This could include things like:
- agreements with their GP, or their key worker if they are being treated by CAMHS, about when they will next check-in
- whether any referrals can be made to other services, and a list of the services available locally that might be able to support them
- what your childs school can offer including a staff member who they can speak to when theyre struggling.
- people your child trusts and can talk to when they need to, including family and friends.
You can find out more about speaking to GPs, finding a counsellor or therapist, accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services , getting help from your childs school and finding local services on our guide to getting help.
Managing Depression In Children: Professional Support
Your childs psychologist, psychiatrist, mental health social worker or counsellor might use cognitive behaviour therapy to help your child change unhelpful or unhealthy thinking habits and behaviour.
Your childs therapist might use other approaches like relaxation, mindfulness, play therapy, parent therapy or family therapy to help your child learn to think more positively and deal with challenges. This means your child will be less likely to have depression again.
When you and your childs health professionals work as a team to support your child, it can make a big difference to your childs recovery. Talk with the professionals about how you can support your childs therapy at home.
Also Check: I Feel Myself Falling Into A Depression
What Causes Child Depression
Different things can lead to depression. There is no single cause. Some children have genes that make them more sensitive to depression. They may have other family members who have been depressed.
Some children go through stressful things. Some have faced loss, trauma, or hardships. Some go through serious health conditions. These things can lead to sadness or grief and sometimes to depression.
Having extra support during and after hard times helps protect children from depression or lessen the effects. But even when they have good support, some children get depressed. Therapy can help them heal, feel better, and get back to enjoying things.