The World Health Organisation considers depression to be the 'common cold' of psychological issues. It is a prevalent mental health problem that can affect individuals of any age group. The intensity of depression determines how it impacts people's lifestyles.

According to health experts, 20 percent of women and 10 percent of men have experienced depression at least once in their lifetime.

Research conducted by the State Mental Health Authority in 2016 revealed that 12.43 percent of Malayalis have faced at least one mental health issue requiring treatment. Additionally, 9 percent of them are experiencing a level of depression that necessitates treatment.

Research conducted by the World Health Organisation indicates a 25 percent increase in reported cases of depression. Today, depression is not only rising among adults but is also becoming more common in children. However, if diagnosed early, children can be helped to return to their normal childhood experiences.

How to detect depression in children

If any five of the following ten symptoms persist in a child for more than two weeks, they may be experiencing depression:

  • Persistent sadness throughout the day or frequent episodes of anger. Bursting out over trivial matters, becoming irritated by sounds, or using bad language due to anger. An aggressive attitude may also be observed.
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, such as spending time with friends, playing, or pursuing favourite hobbies.
  • Feeling tired without a specific reason, such as not engaging in heavy work or illness, and struggling to get out of bed.
  • Insomnia, waking up one or two hours earlier than usual, or difficulty falling asleep despite staying awake for long hours at night.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Difficulty concentrating, leading to setbacks in academics.
  • Slower thinking or delays in processing and executing thoughts.
  • Restlessness in teenagers, frequent irritability, or carelessness.
  • Feelings of despair, hopelessness, guilt, or isolation.
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Causes

Untreated depression can lead to suicide. Hormonal imbalances, such as fluctuations in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are major contributors to depression.

Genetic factors can also play a role, making individuals with a family history of depression more vulnerable.

Additionally, the consumption of intoxicating substances, overuse of digital devices, family tensions, and a toxic home environment can increase the likelihood of depression, especially in children with a hereditary predisposition.

Precautions

Children diagnosed with depression should be treated as soon as possible.

Behavioural therapy, combined with medication, is essential. Some parents hesitate to start treatment due to concerns about the duration of medication. However, individuals undergoing depression treatment for the first time generally require a 9-month course of medication. Afterward, the dosage is gradually reduced, and training is provided to help prevent a relapse before stopping the medication entirely.

Parents and teachers should ensure that children with depression are not isolated. Encouraging them to play and socialise with friends is crucial. Parents are also responsible for resolving conflicts and maintaining a positive family environment to prevent their children from being affected by toxic situations.

For children facing these challenges, support from parents, schools, and legal systems should be made available to create a nurturing environment that fosters recovery.