Depression

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major depression

Major Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness or being "down in the dumps." Approximately 10-25% of women and 5-9% of men will experience Major Depression at some time in their lives. It is more common in an individual that has a first level relative with depression.

There are many types of depression, including Chronic Depression, Depression with Psychotic Features, Atypical Features, or Catatonic Features. There is also depression related to Postpartum. Young children can, and do, develop depression. Typically the depression follows a significant event in the young child's life, such as the death of a parent, abuse, or divorce. Children may manifest their depression by acting out aggressively, becoming oppositional, developing sleep or eating problems, or becoming moody or sad. Any sudden change in a child's personality should be taken seriously.

Up to 15% of individuals with Major Depressive Disorder die by suicide with those with general medical conditions, such as stroke, cancer, heart disease, or diabetes being more at risk for depression than the general population. It is hard to believe that young children under the age of eight would even consider such an outlet as suicide, but all although rare, they do. I often get asked if young children are capable of experiencing depression. ABSOLUTELY! I have worked with more than one three-year-old who attempted suicide. In a way, Failure To Thrive is almost a form of depression since the infant or toddler tends to give up on living.

Symptoms to watch for include:

Sudden change in eating or sleeping patterns
Unusual or excessive crying or sadness
Clingy behavior
Any sudden change in behavior
Nightmares
Low energy
Low self-esteem
Irritable
Regression in development
Angry or resentful
Death themes in play
Feels lonely
Easily frustrated
Thinks about death

Major Depressive Episodes run their course and end in about 2/3 of the cases. In the other 1/3 of the cases, depression is only partially corrected, or is not corrected at all. One year after depression has been diagnosed, approximately 40% of individuals still report symptoms of depression despite treatment.

"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."

- Booker T. Washington

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