Depression in Children - the Who’s, What’s, Why’s and What Now’s

Depression is a topic that has become more talked about and discussed over the past decade.

Our understanding and diagnosis of depression in children continues to increase. Studies show that approximately 2.5% of children and about 18% of adolescents suffer from depression. All kids experience feelings of sadness, being down in the dumps or have a bad day from time to time. Normal sadness and/or grieving is not depression. Life has its ups and downs. This is a part of life and is to be expected. However, if these feelings interfere with their ability to function in daily life, or last for more than a couple of weeks, depression could be the cause. Depression is more than a temporary change in mood; it’s characterized by a prolonged sense of hopelessness and a lack of energy that can last weeks or months.

Depression can be caused by many factors. Some of these include a family history of depression, stressful life events such as a death of a loved one, divorce, repeated discrimination, a traumatic accident, or being bullied at school. Children who have been the victim of abuse, neglect, or suffer from a chronic illness are at a higher risk for depression. It is often caused by an imbalance of a chemical called Serotonin in the brain. Depression does not mean you are a bad parent or that your child is a bad child. Depression is not something of which to be ashamed. It is not a character flaw or a personal weakness. It is as true, real and valid as diabetes or high blood pressure. As stated above there are many factors that can lead to depression, however if left untreated it can result in social isolation, academic underachievement, difficulties with relationships, significant decrease in quality of life and at times suicide.

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

The following are symptoms of depression you may see in adults or children:

• Persistent sad or irritable mood
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Significant change in weight or appetite
• Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

The following are symptoms that are more specific to depression in children:

• Physical complaints, such as headaches, nausea, or sore muscles
• Recurrent thoughts of running away from home
• Alcohol or substance use
• Frequent absence from school
• Poor performance in school
• Frequent outbursts of shouting, crying or irritability
• Lack of interests in friends
• Reckless behavior
• Difficulties with relationships
• Fear of death or fascination with death
• Social isolation
• Thoughts about hurting oneself or committing suicide
• Giving away prized possessions
• Writing a will

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Psychotherapy – Treatment for depression in children and adolescents often includes short-term therapy, medication, or the combination and focusing interventions in the home and at school. Studies show that therapy can often help in addressing depression and relieving the symptoms. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy as it focuses on addressing cognitive distortions that a person has about themselves and the world they live in.
• Medication – Research clearly shows that antidepressant medications, especially when combined with counseling, can be very effective in treating depression. There are many types of medications and it is important to get as much information as you can in order to make an educated decision regarding medication. Talk to your child’s doctor and counselor and get all of your questions answered prior to making a medication decision.
• Access your support systems in your church, school and with friends – Depression can feel scary to deal with, especially if you feel you’re alone in addressing and coping with it. It is important to ask for encouragement and help from your support systems so they can help create a sense of balance, support, wisdom and unconditional acceptance as you make these important decisions and choices.

If you have any questions or want further information:

Jen L. Loganbill, MSW, LCSW

Salem Pastoral Counseling Center
565 Union St. NE Suite 100
Salem, OR 97301
503-370-8050

PROFESSIONAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

Approach to Counseling:

I am a trained clinical therapist specializing in working with children and families with a variety of needs. My approach to counseling comes from a Christian perspective and is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a focused, problem-solving approach to psychological treatment. I have extensive experience in working with children, adults, and families focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, problem solving, anger management, character defense, ADHD, and child abuse issues and concerns. I have training and experience working with Brief and Long Term therapy, Play and Art Therapy and parenting skills training.

My approach to counseling is based on the belief that persons can become stronger, healthier, and happier by increasing their self awareness, accountability, sense of responsibility, acceptance and creating a balanced life. I adhere to the following beliefs:

• People have an inherent need for each other.
• Change is inevitable and action-based.
• Self-Awareness is a key component of change.
• Children make better progress in treatment when the parents/caregivers share responsibility for the problem and it’s solution.
• The only person you have control over is yourself.
• People have an intrinsic need for physical, mental and spiritual fulfillment.

Education:

I hold a Bachelors and a Masters degree of Social Work from Walla Walla College. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oregon through the State Board of Clinical Social Workers. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and abide by the NASW code of ethics. I am a Child Development Specialist and work for the Salem/Keizer school district as an Elementary School Social Worker. In addition I am a Qualified Mental Health Specialist with the Salem Psychiatric Crisis Center. Due to many years living in South America, I am fluently bilingual in Spanish.

Continuing Education:

To maintain my license, I am required by the state to participate in annual continuing education. This includes taking classes dealing with subjects relevant to my profession, professional supervision and psychiatric consultation with the agency’s psychiatrist Dr. Daryl Ruthven.