Depression

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most who experience it need treatment to get better. Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But the vast majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment. Intensive research into the illness has resulted in the development of medications, psychotherapies, and other methods to treat people with this disabling disorder.

Childhood and Adolescent Depression
Childhood and adolescent depression has increased dramatically in the past forty to fifty years. The symptoms are similar to those of adult depression; however, children may not have the vocabulary to talk about such feelings and so they may express their feelings through behavior. Young children may be less bouncy or say negative things about themselves. Adolescents may see academic performance decline, or exhibit disruptive behavior and problems with friends.

The Counseling Center has therapists that can help your child with this problem. To request a confidential session Contact Us.

More about Depression:
www.nimh.nih.gov/health
www.familydoctor.org
www.nlm.nih.gov