Honors English Ten
Ms. Ireland
12 December 2014
Depression in Children: Detect the Problem Before It’s Too Late Throughout our world and nation people are suffering from depression. Depression affects people of all genders, all ages, and all backgrounds. People once believed that teens never went through any form of severe depression. Some still believe this to be true, but if it were, then why are teens suicidal? This disorder is nothing to shrug your shoulders at, and early detection is very important. Depression can be easily detected in children by observing changes in their actions or interest levels. Depression is not your average everyday blues but a mental disorder that deepens day after day (Hales 17-19). Depression was discovered in the Middle Ages by Alexander of Tralles (circa 525-605) who recommended that people afflicted with depression should bathe, cleansing themselves of their melancholia, and speak with close friends (Hales 26-27). Melancholia is very unique and severe compared to depression. This disorder is not helped but worsened by medications (Shorter). Depression is something that does not take a day or two or even a week to get through; years can go by before the feeling of happiness returns (Lewis). In depression, it is believed that either too much or too little of certain neurotransmitters are sent throughout the brain causing a chemical imbalance that can lead to depression (Roy 16-17). Doctors believe that a person 's environment and emotions play a part in developing depression (Roy 14-15). The United States Surgeon General has called depression part of the public health crisis for children and teens (Roy 11-12). Often, the first signs of childhood depression can be seen in mood swings. A young person who is suffering from depression may be able to "snap out of it" for a few hours at a time and have fun before the depressed mood hits again (Roy 11-12). Yelling or throwing things may show a sign of disobedience. (Roy 10-11). Duration and intensity of mood disturbance are important factors in making this distinction because every child is different (Boydston). Negative comments or opinions of one 's peers could cruelly mutilate the teen 's delicate self-esteem (Martin 26-27). Teenagers who have experienced a recent divorce of their parents or the break-up of a romantic relationship might change their attitude about the importance of things (Barankin). Possible drug such as prescription medication, cocaine and marijuana or alcohol abuse (Barankin). Another sign of depression in children can be a lack in interest. Anhedonia is the lack of desire to do the things that is a hobby (Barankin). Adolescents may also present "atypical features" of depression, which can cause an increase or decrease in their appetite and sleep habits. There is significant sensitivity to rejection and moods that can readily improve in response to positive events (Barankin). Traumatizing events may cause children to shy away from experiencing new things, such as activities in school, going to the movies or shopping in the mall. The children may think that all people are the same (David). Some researchers say that depression cannot be an adaptive mechanism that encourages us to make changes, because many depressed people, in fact, sink into inactive, lethargic despair (Knoll). However, what is being missed here is that in almost all cases, the feelings of boredom, blues, etc., do in fact serve as a spur to action (Murphy). A person sitting around sluggishly on a rainy Saturday afternoon, for instance, starts to feel down and shakes it off by getting up and doing something, or calling a friend. All the messages we receive from our bodies can be concealed by counter-productive training (Knoll). For instance, we are all born with a strong drive to preserve our own lives, soldiers through training and various pressures can overcome this drive and continue fighting even though the message from within is to keep going. Depression is not a secret, and it will not go away. It is important that the cries of our children do not go unheard. Now that we know more about this disease called depression, let us not forget those who suffer from it every day. If you see someone who you think might be depressed, reach out a friendly hand. If you suspect the problem is more serious, use the information you have gained, and call the appropriate crisis or counseling center. No one needs to be left alone to battle depression. By recognizing the signs and symptoms you can make a difference in someone’s life. Depression is an illness that affects people emotionally, physically, mentally, socially and/or spiritually. Depression can be so intense and it can interfere with daily routines, and affect one’s energy, work performance, relationship, and even lead to suicidal thoughts. Depression is an untimed source that unfortunately may never be detected before the fatal outcome. If you or someone you know is dealing with depression call 911 or seek medical help from a local doctor.
Works Cited
Barankin, Tatyana; Harper, Gordon; Marks, Andrea; Nelson, W Michael III. "Adolescent Depression: Potential to Diagnose and Treat Early." Patient Care. 1 dec. 2003: 60 DB - ELibrary. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>.
Boydston, Lauren. "Pediatric Depression Detection Methods." Pediatric Annals. 1 oct. 2011: 512 DB - ELibrary. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>.
David Reese Bigfork Eagle, Mont. "Bigfork 's Teresa Kennedy Helps Children Who Need an Advocate." McClatchy - Tribune Information Services. 8 oct. 2014 db - elibrary: n. pag. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>.
Hales, Dianne R. "What Is Depression? and History of Depression: An Overview." Depression. New York: Chelsea House, 1989. 17-36. Print.
Knoll, Beth. "Finding Hope in Dark Places." Gannett Co., Inc.. 27 aug. 2014: 1 DB - ELibrary. Web. 22 Nov. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>.
Lewis, Carol. "The Lowdown on Depression." FDA Consumer. 1 jan. 2003: 28 DB - ELibrary. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>.
Martin, Michael. "Grades A Source of Friction." Teen Depression. Detroit: Thomson/Gale, 2005. 26-27. Print.
Murphy, Kathryn. "Recognizing DEPPRESSION IN CHILDREN." The Nurse Practitioner. 1 sep. 2004: 18 DB - ELibrary. Web. 22 Nov. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>.
Roy, Jennifer Rozines. "What Is Depression and The History of Depression." Depression. New York: Benchmark, 2005. 10-39. Print.
Shorter, Edward. "Melancholia an Undertreated Form of Depression." Torstar Syndication Services, a Division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. 4 nov. 2014: E.8 DB - ELibrary. Web. 30 Nov. 2014.
Cited: Barankin, Tatyana; Harper, Gordon; Marks, Andrea; Nelson, W Michael III. "Adolescent Depression: Potential to Diagnose and Treat Early." Patient Care. 1 dec. 2003: 60 DB - ELibrary. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>. Boydston, Lauren. "Pediatric Depression Detection Methods." Pediatric Annals. 1 oct. 2011: 512 DB - ELibrary. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>. David Reese Bigfork Eagle, Mont. "Bigfork 's Teresa Kennedy Helps Children Who Need an Advocate." McClatchy - Tribune Information Services. 8 oct. 2014 db - elibrary: n. pag. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>. Hales, Dianne R. "What Is Depression? and History of Depression: An Overview." Depression. New York: Chelsea House, 1989. 17-36. Print. Knoll, Beth. "Finding Hope in Dark Places." Gannett Co., Inc.. 27 aug. 2014: 1 DB - ELibrary. Web. 22 Nov. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>. Lewis, Carol. "The Lowdown on Depression." FDA Consumer. 1 jan. 2003: 28 DB - ELibrary. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>. Martin, Michael. "Grades A Source of Friction." Teen Depression. Detroit: Thomson/Gale, 2005. 26-27. Print. Murphy, Kathryn. "Recognizing DEPPRESSION IN CHILDREN." The Nurse Practitioner. 1 sep. 2004: 18 DB - ELibrary. Web. 22 Nov. 2014. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>. Roy, Jennifer Rozines. "What Is Depression and The History of Depression." Depression. New York: Benchmark, 2005. 10-39. Print. Shorter, Edward. "Melancholia an Undertreated Form of Depression." Torstar Syndication Services, a Division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. 4 nov. 2014: E.8 DB - ELibrary. Web. 30 Nov. 2014.
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