Childhood Depression According to the National Alliance

Childhood Depression

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) "Studies have shown that on any single day (called "point prevalence" by epidemiologists) about 2% of school-aged children and about 8% of adolescents meet the criteria for major depression." It is true then that this condition affects millions of children a year along with their families. Depression itself is mysterious and most likely a necessary function of our psyche, but for many this state of mind can lead to much disastrous and dangerous conditions.

The purpose of this essay is to present a 10-point program that helps parents understand several factors associated with depressive disorders. This essay will list these 10 ideas and provide a baseline of information that can help provide a firmer grasp on some of the more hidden qualities that are present within a depressive disorder.

Program

Relax. Depression is common and can be treated. If signs that your child is depressed do not panic and fear, rather seek more information on the subject to reveal the truth.

2. Know the signs of depression. If a depressive order is suspected in a child, it is important that the signs are present and that they are reasonably severe.

3. Talk to the child. Communication is often the biggest obstacle to overcome in achieving learning and understanding. It is necessary that the parent speaks to the child about the problem and ensure that levels of severity.

4. Seek professional help. If parents decide they may need help with their child, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

5. Support the child. When people, and especially children are depressed, it is very important to show continual levels of support and emotional help.

6. Accept the situation. Before any real help can be accomplished, it is important that the situation is understood. Only when the problem is accepted as true and real can we see the true magnitude of the problem.

7. Holistic approach. While the medical community might present some useful treatments to the problem, it is important to realize that the human is a collection of mind body and soul. All three of these qualities need to be addressed.