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Childhood depression has become a serious problem in the U.S. Approximately 2.5 percent of children and up to 8.3 percent of adolescents in the U.S. suffer from this condition. There are several reasons for this. For some, there is a genetic component. One or both of the parents have some sort of a depressive/anxiety disorder. For example, the father may be bipolar or the mother dysthymic (chronic low level depression). But that in itself is the cause in about 30% of cases of childhood depression. Additionally, there is often an environmental factor such as a death in the family, a sexual assault, an early separation such as the mother being hospitalized or shipped off as a combatant or a bitter divorce which can trigger the depression. Family dynamics also plays an important role. If the child doesn't feel safe and wanted, this can contribute to childhood depression.
What many people don't realize is that depression can
look very different in children than adults. In the child the only time
you see the severe tearful, sad, withdrawn nature is when the child is
severely depressed. Instead, you may see
· Aggressive behavior
· Self-deprecating remarks
· Sleep disturbances
· Decreased desire to play
· A change in school grades or interaction with peers
· Physical complaints
· Loss of usual energy
· Decrease or increase in appetite
If you see two or more of these signs for at least 1 month, then your child should be evaluated for depression. A final form of childhood depression is when the child appears cheerful in public and cries when alone.
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Resources: Growing Up Sad by Drs. Cytryn and McKnew |
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Your Role in the An important concept in Naturopathic
Medicine is the partnership between pysician and patient.
The patient must take an active role in his or her own healing. If your child has depression, there are several ways to help your child. First, determine how serious it is. If your child is talking about or actively planning suicide, then immediately contact your child's physician for the correct plan of action. If things haven't reached that point, then talk to your child - find out what's wrong. With the help of a therapist, work on changing the circumstances that may have triggered the depression. I've had the satisfaction of helping many depressed children regain a feeling of self-worth as they resume more emotionally-balanced lives. I have found that for those wanting to avoid conventional medications and their side-effects, there are many effective natural treatments. One of my clients' favorite tools is homeopathy. Homeopathy is safe, nontoxic, and helps the child regain control more quickly than conventional medications. (See the webpage on my site on homeopathy Jeff, please put a link here). A book that will help you understand the potential of homeopathy in treating depression is called Prozac-Free by Dr. Judyth Ullman. In addition, I make a few dietary recommendations and may use some specific vitamins (often called orthomolecular medicine) and herbs temporarily. Some of the children I treat who have already been on anti-depressants comment that homeopathy doesn't make them feel "weird" or "dopey" or just "not themselves". One of the most important considerations in treating your child's depression is a 1992 scientific finding by Lewis Baxter. Brain scans altered by mood alteration returned to normal with treatment whether or not pharmaceutical drugs were used. The key was that the child was reached and recovery occurred. It was the result, not the means that caused the brain scans to reflect a normal state. (Baxter. Archives of General Psychiatry 1992;49:681-689 - secondary reference in Growing Up Sad) If recognized and treated, your child can go on to have a normal life. If not, there may be multiple reoccurrences continuing on into adulthood. Whatever you and your child decide, take action. |