Childhood and teenage depression is often in hiding.

Childhood and teenage depression is often in hiding.

Did you know that depression affects approximately 5% of children and teenagers? However, there are currently very limited treatment options for children with depression, also called Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Research is being done that may bring alternative treatment options out into the open for children in the future.
If your child or teenager is depressed, there is help out there.

What is pediatric depression?
It’s normal for children and teenagers to have sad or moody days, but when those feelings last for two weeks or longer, it could indicate that something more serious is going on. As adults, it can be hard for us to accept that children can also have depression, but research is going on now to help find new medicines for children with depression in the future.
If your child has been displaying one or more of these signs of depression for at least two weeks, and they are interfering with his/her ability to function he/her could be depressed Frequent sadness, or crying
• Decreased interest in activities
• Persistent boredom; low energy
• Social isolation
• Low self-esteem and guilt
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
• Poor concentration
• A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
• Talk of, or efforts to run away from home
If you think your child is depressed expose them to social activities and keep them active the stress could be a factor for the depression and never force your teenage or child to do things they do not like