Today, as much as five percent of the youth population may be suffering from clinical depression. Increasing rates of depression among both children and adolescents has been in evidence for some time, but only within the last few decades has it been taken seriously. Rising awareness among parents as well as improving diagnostic techniques have assisted in revealing this issue, increasing the availability of treatment for children and teens who are depressed.

No single cause for depression has been pinpointed. Researchers have established that certain families have a higher occurrence of this serious illness, and this supports the concept that genetics may be a contributing factor. When a predisposition for this problem combines with certain environmental and social factors early on, depression symptoms may occur during youth.

Currently, we have a social environment that has a greater number of psychosocial influences than in previous eras. The argument could be made that this particular point in time has no more negative influences than prior periods. Even accepting that premise, the situation is exacerbated in new ways by the continual flow of information via the media and the internet. Current consensus is that low self-esteem is probably the single biggest factor, or at least occurs regularly within the symptoms of this childhood illness. The influence of viewing one’s self negatively helps create a pessimistic worldview. The deluge of information regarding negative current events magnifies their pressure on children and adolescents.

In an economic climate with significant unemployment, there is an impact on the children and teens in affected households. The stressors of having one or both parents not working will only compound the child’s lowered self-esteem and accompanying pessimism. The lack of discretionary income will filter down to children and impinge on their ability to pursue activities with their peers, along with a whole set of social problems. If the economics of the family situation extend to losing the family home, the blow to the children’s view of themselves and their place in the world can be enormous. The uncertainty and displacement they experience are factors that will come into play for any child that has a tendency toward depression.

Growing up can be a challenge, even in the best of situations. Peer pressures and expectations of parents can combine to create a great deal of stress on children and teenagers, affecting their sense of self. Adding economic and social issues on top of these relatively normal problems can increase the likelihood of mental health issues, which means it is likely that rates of these illnesses will continue to rise. Thankfully, as awareness increases, early diagnosis has become more common, and treatment of mental health problems in childhood as well as support for families of affected kids has expanded. These improvements will help kids and teens overcome the symptoms of childhood depression, and assist them in gaining the opportunity to succeed in their academic and social lives, as well as their future lives as adults.

In Las Vegas, if you believe that your child or adolescent may be suffering from depression, contact Dr. Ron Zedek, a nationally recognized psychiatrist with more than 12 years of experience in effectively and gently treating children and adolescents with depression, bipolar disease, anxiety and many other mental health issues. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services