According to the World Health Organization, between 10% and 20% of children as well as adolescents suffer from mental health disorders. Additionally, half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14.
These mental health disorders include depression, a growing trend in children. More alarming is that this condition can be hard to diagnose, even though most children show a wide range of emotions from an early age. These include feeling down, angry or emotional difficulty. ‘The difference with depression is that it is more serious than just a bad day. But, it can be hard to diagnose because different children show different symptoms,’ says Mary Mazibuko, a counsellor based in Soweto. Depression in children has similar symptoms to that of adults.
This includes sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in hobbies and trouble concentrating, among others. ‘Another reason why it is hard to diagnose children is that most people do not believe that they can be depressed, and the symptoms vary. By the time a child is diagnosed, other possible problems have likely been ruled out first,’ Mary explains. However, the reality is that children as young as six, sometimes even younger, can be depressed.
WHEN SOMETHING IS WRONG
When Grade 2 pupil Tebogo* started having problems with his schoolwork, his mother Tsholo* didn’t think much of it. ‘I initially thought that he was being lazy because I didn’t understand what had brought on the change. I cut down on his television time and became more strict about schoolwork. I had also noticed that he didn’t seem as happy,’ she shares. Tebogo eventually went for occupational therapy, the use of particular activities as an aid to recuperation from physical or mental illness, which didn’t help. So, it was recommended that he sees a child psychologist. ‘After a few months, he was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. We struggled to accept this as a family because it made no sense that an eight-year-old could be depressed,’ Tsholo says.
According to Chantal Betts, a counsellor whose main area of interest is children, this isn’t uncommon. ‘An eight-year-old can be depressed even when parents do their best to give them a happy life. It is not a sign of bad parenting. And, that is one of the things that causes parents to go into denial. They think that something must be wrong with them to make their children depressed,’ she explains. Tsholo refused for her son to take antidepressants, and opted for on-going therapy instead. ‘There has been an improvement in his behaviour. I have also learnt that he internalises his feelings, and therapy has given him an outlet that seems to be working,’ she says.
CONNECTING THE DOTS
Much like in adults, many factors cause depression in children. These include health, life events and stresses as well as family history and genetics. Unlike a bad mood or a rough emotional patch, depression needs to be attended to because it will not go away with time. ‘It is important for parents to keep a keen eye on their children so that they can spot any changes in moods and behaviour,’ Mary advises. ‘I don’t necessarily think that more children are getting depressed. I think that we are starting to understand it a bit more as time goes. Again, because it is hard to diagnose, many children go untreated,’ she adds.
Sometimes, there can be a link between children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression. ‘The reason for this is that children with ADHD will often get into more trouble at school and get more negative attention. This can affect their self-esteem and lead to depression. It is important to know that not every child with ADHD will suffer from depression.But, dealing with this condition is a priority,’ Chantal says.
SUICIDE LINK
In severe cases, depression can be life-threatening, with suicide as a possible outcome. And, teenagers
are more likely to go this route. ‘Child suicide is growing worldwide,’ Mary warns. She explains that girls are likely to attempt suicide as much as boys, but boys are more likely to succeed.
This is because boys use more violent methods. The children committing suicide are getting younger. So, it is important for parents to understand that depression is not just an adult problem anymore.
A HELPING HAND
As a parent, it will do your child a lot of good if you take interest in the problem as soon as you recognise it. ‘A few things beat being an attentive parent because you will be able to deal with problems before they get bigger. When you see a problem that you might think is depression, the first step is to talk to your child and assure them that you love and support them, no matter what,’ Mary says. Depending on their age, ask them what would improve circumstances, and gauge the situation from there. Chantal also advises that you seek medical help. ‘Ask your doctor to conduct some tests; sometimes a physical ailment can cause feelings of depression.’
She adds that you should also implement lifestyle changes that can make the environment more conducive to a better mental state for your child. ‘This includes a healthy diet, less screen time as well as spending some time outdoors. None of these things cure depression, but they all help promote feelings of well-being,’ she says. Another option is to see a psychologist. ‘When you have identified your child as potentially depressed, communicate this to the teachers immediately. This is so that you all work collectively to help. It is possible for kids to make a complete turnaround when the right steps are taken. Additionally, remember that there is no shame in this disease,’ Mary says.
For help with depression in children, call SADAG on 0800 12 13 14, Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 56 75 67 or visit sadag.org
Also see: Link between your actions and child’s behaviour
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