Causes of Child Depression

by Teresa McEntire | More from this Blogger

10 Sep 2006 02:19 PM

More and more children are being treated for depression. Teen Depression.org states that as many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents may have depression. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among adolescents' ages 15-19 and 6th leading cause of death among children ages 5-14. Although more girls actually attempt suicide at a rate of 3:1 more boys actually die from suicide. The sad thing is that most of the deaths could have been prevented if the child's parents had recognized the signs of depression.

But what causes child depression? And what exactly do children have to be depressed about? Childhood is not always carefree and in today's high-tech fast paced society many children feel pressured to achieve more whether it is grades, looks, or popularity. When they do not they can become depressed. But there is more to depression than just begin upset over not getting a good grade. Depression is more pervasive and long lasting. According to Healthy Place.com, a site that focuses on depression, "For a child to get depressed, there must either be major things wrong with their lives, something major wrong with their body and or mind, or a strong family history of depression. Often more than one is present."

Children who have certain risk factors in their lives are more likely to become depressed. These risk factors include children who have

• a long-term or chronic illness such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, or cancer
• been abused or neglected physically, emotionally, or sexually
• experienced recent trauma
• lost a loved one due to death, divorce, or abandonment
• a family history of mental illness
• watched more than 6 hours of television a day (a study links this to depression)
• a depressed parent is 40% more likely to become depressed themselves
• been or are in a juvenile detention facility

During childhood the number of boys and girls that are depressed is usually about the same. But according to the National Institute of Mental Health in adolescence girls are more likely than boys to experience depression.

See these blogs on the same topic for more information:

Recognizing Child Depression

Privileged Children At Greater Risk

Learn more about Teresa McEntire

Teresa McEntire grew up in Utah the oldest of four children. She currently lives in Kuna, Idaho, near Boise. She and her husband Gene have been married for almost ten years.

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Megan Bayliss (3586) 10 Sep 2006 07:07 PM

Thanks Teresa. It is VERY important to recognise childhood depression and to do something about it. Child suicide rates are FAR TOO HIGH. Good awareness blog. Thanks.