Preventing depression in childhood

Symptoms of childhood depression according to the DSM

Depression also affects the child population. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that 3% of the child population suffers from depression. The DSM (American Psychiatric Association) classifies the following symptoms of depression in children:

- Irritable or sad mood

- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

- Loss (or increase) of appetite/weight or failure to achieve the expected weight gain

- Insomnia or hypersomnia

- Psychomotor agitation or slowing

- Fatigue or loss of energy

- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

- Diminished ability to think/concentrate or indecisiveness

- Thoughts of death or ideas, plans or suicide attempts

How to detect depression in children

In many cases we have encountered in the youngest children, we observe that there is a lot of irritability in the child, and the parents verbalize that the child has behavioral problems, but often this irritability is what masks a depression the child is carrying. That is why it is important that if these behavioral problems continue for a period of more than 4-6 months, it is recommended to see a specialist.

Strategies to prevent depression in childhood

To prevent depression we must teach the child how to have fun. For example, there are little ones who do extracurricular activities they do not like; they simply do them because the parents have imposed them. This is a mistake that many parents fall into. We should let them choose which activity they want to do after spending 7 hours at school. Below we will provide you with strategies to prevent this disorder (although these strategies can be applied once the child already has depression).

• Enrich their environment. Emphasize changes in the family climate that can favor the increase of the child's well-being. As we mentioned earlier, it is essential to encourage leisure and free time, and that this is not an obligation but an enjoyment for them.

• Increase emotional control skills. It is essential that the child recognizes their emotions, providing them with tools to manage these such as relaxation and the expression of feelings.

• Be models of happiness. If children see that their parents are in a good mood, enjoy their free time, smile and show positivity, they will also do the same, since parents are role models for their children. They should be helped to schedule fun and pleasant activities (inviting little friends to their home, surprising them with novel plans, going to events attractive to them, etc.)

• Strengthen autonomy. It is essential to teach them basic skills (washing up, dressing, cooking, managing money, having a responsibility at home, etc.). They should be given an opportunity to practice, always helping them as much as necessary without solving their problems. We must also make them participate in decision-making.

• Educate with affection and consistency. You must act in agreement with your partner, setting reasonable rules of conduct and demanding their compliance, being understanding and flexible.

• Training to tolerate frustration. Do not give in to irrational demands, ignore tantrums, teach them to respect their turn (there is a story called “trasto, un campeón en la familia” that is very illustrative on this topic), progressively delay gratification, have them share their toys, etc.

• Make them responsible, not guilty. Valuing effort, not their results, will help you better value their day-to-day work.

• Shape a rational cognitive style. Absolutist labels should be avoided (“you are absent-minded”, “you never listen to me”). It is better to use the Socratic method so they can reflect (“What could we do to solve…?, And what else?).

• Give them lots of affection. Love is the foundation of happiness. Any gesture of affection toward the child is essential to build a solid foundation in order to prevent depressive symptoms.