Many chronic pediatric medical conditions are fairly obvious. Asthmatics have difficulty breathing and will likely eventually be brought to the hospital to have it diagnosed. Obesity is another disorder that can generally be noticed even without a doctor's examination. However, certain risks to children's health and wellness are less clear because they lack visible physical symptoms. Depression may be one of the more significant ones. As children grow older, they go through a number of developmental phases, and parents might mistake long-term depression as just a phase the child is going through.
While parents who suspect that their child might be depressed should have the condition diagnosed, there are a few risk factors that could lead to it in kids. A recent study from Public Health England discovered that too much television, video games and living an inactive lifestyle may lead to depression. As television viewing habits increased, kids' self-reported levels of happiness and self-esteem decreased. Additionally, longer-lasting television watching among younger children (1 to 3 years old) was linked with attention and hyperactivity disorders. Every hour spent in front of a screen increased the chance that a juvenile would have socio-emotional problems, the study authors explained.
Children also reported having a higher degree of anxiety and unhappiness the more they played video games. Other outside factors were also found to affect a child's depression, with bullying and the local neighborhood both potentially influencing how kids feel. Mobile devices, as popular as they are for social activity like texting, were also found to lack the positive influence that face-to-face interaction can have.
Understandably, greater physical activity was discovered to positively enhance how children feel, as did familial interactions such as regularly having meals together. Breakfast was also positively linked to how kids performed and acted throughout the day.
Other potential signs of depression
Although more time spent watching television and playing video games may indicate depression and a lack of self-esteem, parents should not take those signs alone as evidence of the disorder. If they suspect their children may be depressed, they should be aware that the symptoms may change depending on how old their kids are. The Mayo Clinic noted that younger juveniles usually display irritability, hopelessness and worry, while adolescents tend to be more anxious, angry and averse to socializing. Schoolwork and sleep schedules may also be affected by the condition. Regardless, a medical assessment is the best way to verify just how a kid is feeling, and if it is a phase or something more serious.
While professional help should be sought if a child is depressed, weaning kids off of television and video games may help improve their mood, as can greater interaction with family and friends. Placing greater emphasis on family meals may also be beneficial. Even for juveniles who aren't depressed, engaging in these measures can potentially prevent the condition from developing in the first place.
