Depression is one of the most common problems in United States affecting as many as 17 million individuals every year. This mental health problem tends to affects individuals of all races, age groups as well as economic backgrounds. Childhood depression is also a fairly common problem with 1 in every 33 children suffering from this problem. Teenagers particularly tend to experience this problem with around 1 in 8 teenagers suffering from depression.

Childhood depression does not simply mean feelings of sadness, anger or negative feelings that lessen with time. In cases of depression the feelings of sadness, hopelessness tend to last for weeks or months at end and this tends to affect the functioning ability of the person. Children having depressive disorders tend to experience a great deal of anxiety.

Hormonal changes during the teenage as well as the adult years can be one of the causes of depression. Depression among preteen children is quite rare. 50% of the teenagers suffering from depression tend to experience childhood anxiety disorders. Signs of childhood depression include frequent sadness along with tearfulness and crying, hopelessness, fatigue and low energy. Children suffering from depression also tend to display decreased interest in events and activities that were previously enjoyable.

Childhood depression is also characterized by guilt and low self esteem along with poor communication and social isolation. Children suffering from depression may also display extreme sensitivity towards failure or rejection along with increased anger and irritability. Such children may also experience difficulty in relationships and physical problems like headaches. Poor performance in school may also be observed along with major changes in sleeping and eating patterns. In extreme cases children may get suicidal thoughts. Depression among children belonging to the age group of 3 to 5 years may include signs of sadness along with anger and aggression, timidity, shyness, moodiness and irritability.

Getting the correct diagnosis of childhood depression is crucial so that proper treatment can be started. It is advisable for parents to speak to their children about their feelings. While doing that it is important to understand the children may not be able to express their feelings properly. Adolescents tend to verbalize the negative feelings more as compared to younger children.

Depressed adolescents may become aggressive or may sexually act out their frustrations. If a diagnosis of childhood depression is confirmed then the different treatment options should be discussed. Along with medication, psychotherapy can be particularly helpful. In these sessions psychiatrists attempt to identify the root cause of depression among children.

Psychiatrists and counselors encourage the children suffering from childhood depression to actively verbalize their anger and anxiety. Psychotherapy offers emotional catharsis and so can be ideal for childhood depression. Depending on the requirements of the case anti depressant medication may also be prescribed but these need to be taken for at least 2 to 4 weeks before any changes or improvements are observed.

Involvement of parents is extremely important in cases of childhood depression. Many parents may deny their child is suffering from depression as they are fearful of the stigma associated with this condition. However it is advisable for parents to seek medical help for their children if depression is detected and actively supporting their children through the recovery process is also important.