This guide will help you answer 3.5. Give examples of how depression may affect children and young people.
Depression can profoundly impact children and young people. It’s more than just “feeling sad” and can affect every aspect of their lives. Here are some key areas where depression might manifest:
Emotional Impact
Persistent Sadness and Irritability: Children with depression often appear sad or tearful. They might also be irritable or grumpy with those around them, including family and friends.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: They may frequently express feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, believing they are a burden to others.
Hopelessness: Depressed children and young people often feel a pervasive sense of hopelessness. They might believe that things will never get better.
Cognitive Impact
Difficulty Concentrating: Depression can make it hard for children to focus on tasks, whether it’s schoolwork, play, or conversations. This can lead to poor academic performance.
Indecisiveness: They may struggle to make even simple decisions, feeling overwhelmed by choices they once made easily.
Negative Thinking: It’s common for depressed children to see the world through a negative filter. They might expect bad things to happen and be overly critical of themselves.
Physical Impact
Sleep Disturbances: Children with depression might experience insomnia or sleep too much. Sleep disturbances can affect their energy levels and overall mood.
Changes in Appetite or Weight: Some children may lose their appetite and lose weight, while others might eat more than usual and gain weight.
Decreased Energy or Fatigue: They might complain of constant tiredness or fatigue, regardless of how much sleep they get. This can affect their engagement in activities they typically enjoy.
Behavioural Impact
Withdrawal from Social Activities: Depressed children often withdraw from friends and family. They may lose interest in playing or participating in usual school or social activities.
School Avoidance: They might start avoiding school, leading to frequent absences. This is often due to a lack of motivation or energy.
Risk-Taking Behaviours: Some young people may engage in risky behaviours, like substance abuse, as a way to cope with their feelings.
Impact on Relationships
Increased Conflict with Peers and Family: A child or young person with depression might have more conflicts with those around them. They could misinterpret others’ actions and react aggressively or defensively.
Social Isolation: They might feel isolated, even when surrounded by people, because they believe no one understands their experiences.
Struggles with Communication: Depression can make it hard for children to express their feelings or ask for help. They might fear being judged or misunderstood, leading to further isolation.
Academic Impact
Decline in Grades: Due to difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and lack of motivation, children with depression often see a decline in their academic performance.
Lack of Participation: They might become disengaged in the classroom, not raising their hand or avoiding tasks.
Frequent Absenteeism: Frequent absences due to feeling unwell or unmotivated can severely impact their learning progress.
Impact on Self-esteem
Low Self-Esteem: Children with depression tend to have low self-esteem, often thinking poorly of themselves and their abilities.
Self-Criticism: They might be overly critical of themselves, focusing on their perceived faults and failures.
Body Image Issues: Some children and young people may develop negative body image issues, particularly during adolescence.
Impact on Physical Health
Somatic Complaints: Depressed children often report physical symptoms like stomach aches, headaches, or muscle pain. These complaints might not have a clear medical cause.
Poor Hygiene: They might neglect personal hygiene and grooming, not bothering to bathe or change clothes regularly.
Changes in Activity Levels: Some might become very sedentary, while others could act out physically, unable to sit still or relax.
Impact on Long-term Development
Delayed Development: Chronic depression can lead to delays in emotional, social, and academic development. This can affect future opportunities and overall life satisfaction.
Increased Risk of Other Mental Health Issues: Children and young people with depression are more likely to develop other mental health issues, such as anxiety or substance misuse disorders.
Risk of Self-harm or Suicide: Sadly, depression increases the risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts or behaviours. This highlights the importance of early intervention and support.
Conclusion
Depression in children and young people affects every aspect of their lives, from their emotions and thoughts to their physical health and social relationships. Recognising these impacts is crucial for providing the support they need.
As an Early Years Practitioner or childcare worker, understanding these varied effects can help you better identify children who might be struggling and support them effectively. Early intervention can make a significant difference in their mental health journey. By being observant and empathetic, you play a critical role in fostering their well-being and development.
