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The Dreaded D Word: Tips to prevent Children falling Prey


Depression: The silent killer, the insidious serpent in the mind, the horrible black hole is now catching 'em young. Children as young as ten to twelve are falling prey to it. 

 Even a few years back, we used to think of our children as bubbly, carefree, innocent creatures immune to the harsh blows of life. Used to falling down and brushing off bruises with a smile, children had none of the chronic bitterness or anxiety that plagues adults.

 Today, the scene is starkly different. Studies report that about 2% of school going children are suffering from depression, which is the third leading cause of suicide among the 10-24 age group!

 Mind you, we are talking about depression that is radically different from"sadness" or a "feeling of low mood". Depression strikes children due to several environmental, physiological or biological factors, and leaves them confused and broken. 

 Imagine a child, who doesn't want to get up from bed, is irritable, or has forgotten to smile for days together. On adults, depression takes it's toll, for children it is deadlier. 


What can lead to depression among children?

Your casual remarks - comparing academic grades with other children or pointing out their own shortcomings, or body shaming by peers, or the societal pressure to conform can lead a child to the dark road of depression. They are at a vulnerable age, when peer opinion and parental acceptance matter the most to them. Make sure your attitude is not excessively critical, biased or fault-finding.

And don't think you can tell your kid to "just snap out of it"! Can you snap out of high blood pressure or diabetes?

We as parents and society, can do our bit to reduce the causes that lead to depression. Good parenting, familial, school and societal support, timely intervention in the form of therapy and/or counselling, can go a long way in removing the triggers for depression.

https://www.medicinenet.com suggests "Healthy parent-child attachment can help protect the child from developing depression......while protective factors for adolescent depression include involving supportive adults, strong family and peer relationships, healthy coping skills".

 Besides providing a non-judgmental, non-critical home atmosphere, opportunities for developing healthy friendships with peers, and a supportive educational environment, parents also need to recognize the early symptoms of depression, and take professional help of psychologists, if need be. 

 https://www.medicinenet.com states "Such programs often use cognitive behavioral and/or interpersonal approaches, as well as family based prevention strategies because research shows that these interventions are the most effective."

 While research is still going on by specialists on treatment methods and approaches, simple preventive steps by all modern-age parents can help keeping the dreaded "D" at bay.

 Don't forget to:
  • Assure your child of your unconditional love and affection
  • Spend time with him/her, keeping aside your mobile/laptop/other engagements
  • Praise your child at least once every day
  • Bond with him/her over play or leisure activities, or even housework and cooking/gardening
  • Before scolding or punishing for some misdeed, listen to his/her reasons
  • Be there for your child when he/she wants to confide in you
We can do this much to keep depression out of our children's lives, can't we?

HaPPY pArENtING!
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