Recent studies have also revealed that children may inherit a propensity for suffering depression and other mental-health conditions, as well as often finding themselves in the midst of a harrowing family event – such as divorce, the death of a parent or sibling or experiencing an abusive relationship with an adult. It is important to keep a close-eye on your children’s emotional wellbeing, as depression may interfere with cognitive-function and can be a barrier to emotional, intellectual and academic development.
There are many types of depression that can affect children and teenagers, and the most common ones are major depression, reactive depression, seasonal-affective-disorder and manic depression. Each type has different characteristics and each type can have a debilitating impact on a child’s life:
Major depression tends to last for around 2 weeks, and is a condition that produces regular bleak moods, guilt and a sense of inadequacy. Children who suffer from it can also have problems concentrating – which may have serious consequences at school, and the condition can impact negatively upon sleeping, eating and recreational habits.
Reactive depression is the most prevalent amongst children and is caused by a reaction to a distressing event, be it falling out with a friend, underperforming at school or being involved in a fight. This form of depression tends to manifest itself in symptoms such as sadness, lethargy and inertia.
Manic depression often develops in adolescence and is characterised by volatile and unpredictable mood-swings and mania which can often lead to angry outbursts. Finally, seasonal-affective-disorder is affected by the change in seasons and is generally experienced during the winter, when the days are short and the weather is cold and gloomy.