Millions of folks across the globe are surprised and doubt the fact that children can get depressed. Several educated adults still live in denial for the same. Rates of child depression have been constantly rising over the past few years. Child depression isn’t just the mere disappointment and gloominess we notice in them, it’s so much more than just that.
Symptoms
The symptoms of depression are totally different for every child. lt may be the significant changes in their everyday behaviour, anger problems, persistent low mood, rapid mood changes or a sense of despair and hopelessness. In such vulnerable circumstances, they tend to show the subsequent symptoms:
•Change in diet and sleep cycle- This causes the children to get tired very easily and makes them low on energy quite often.
•Crankiness; mental and emotional breakdowns- It causes irritability and affects the way in which their brain develops.
• Fatigue- This not only makes it difficult for them to concentrate but also they’re unable to do everyday chores.
• Sudden feeling of guilt and worthlessness- They begin to doubt themselves and their confidence level falls down rapidly.
• Social withdrawal- It develops a sense of inferiority complex in them and shyness becomes extremely common in such situations.
• Thoughts of death and suicide- Giving up on life and everyone is the only thought that comes in mind.
Effects:
There may be many more such issues.
This doesn’t solely affect their educational life but also their social life. In such a situation they feel detached from all near and dear ones, and resort to wrong ways such as drugs, alcohol, abuse and violence.
At this time when they need the utmost attention, they’re neglected by their parents and family and receive judgements for their views and opinions. All this leads to a sense of anxiety, trauma and social phobia in the youth. They are often taken aback by all this and become more and more private about their life.
Research Analysis:
According to the population-based study of India, the prevalence of depression is 15.1% of the population i.e., roughly 57 million children. The fact that almost half the population is still unaware of this, is extremely dangerous for society.
Over the period, depression remains untreated and undiagnosed. In numerous areas, folks still believe the stereotype of considering depression as a severe mental disorder. It’s high time we normalize visiting psychiatrists and start treating anxiety and depression as a ‘normal’ disease.
Children might often blame themselves for the circumstance and whatever they’re going through.
Treatment and Cure:
For treatment of depression and anxiety in children, one of the most important and initial steps has to be the sense of acceptance in both; elders and themselves. Then comes the requirement to search for a doctor to undergo the treatment. Therapies and counseling sessions are some of the most common ways to combat depression. Patients sometimes struggle to open up to anybody in such sensitive conditions. Neglecting children and ‘calling it a phase’ is the last thing that people should do to cure and treat depressed ones.
Relaxation of mind and attaining peace in such times is very difficult. Yoga, meditation, and mind exercises could be some of the ways to attain so. Following are the asanas that one should practice to attain mental peace and stability:
•Bhrumadhya Drishti
•Vrikshasana
•Tratak
•Meditation
These exercises will help in diverting their minds into something more playful and cheering. They’re able to cope up with depression quicker. It will also boost their concentration power and self-esteem. For more such exercises and activities you can check our youtube channel @BYC Fitness and motivate your child to recover faster with the help of our trained professionals.
Conclusion:
Even after innumerable campaigns and movements, people who are depressed find it difficult to survive in this world. Hence, breaking down the stigma about mental health and illness should be our top priority, in order to make the world a better and safer place for everyone. We’ve always prioritized our physical health over everything without paying any heed to mental health. Spending quality time with our children, encouraging more open conversations, and acknowledging their struggles helps them the most in these circumstances