Members,
In some families, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects someone in every generation, suggesting a biological (genetic) component to the disorder. However, MDD also happens to people with no family history of depression. So, in some cases, a vulnerability to MDD may be inherited and in other cases not. Although genes are probably not the whole story, parents often worry about the development of MDD in their children.
It has been said that children can begin showing signs of depression as early as their teens but how can a parent tell whether the behaviors exhibited are hallmarks or adolescence or a cause for concern?
Changes such as a drop in academic performance; a change in activity, such as losing interest in a favorite sport; a big change in friendships or socializing; and difficulty with the family that goes beyond a bad day now and then can signal teen depression.
Although most of these changes occur to many teens, the impact and severity of these changes is what is key to note.
For example: Your teen spends a lot of time alone in their room.
The average teen would compensate for this isolation by increasing their time with peers and social interactions outside the home.
The depressed teen may also have limited peer interactions.
Another example: Your teen quits the hockey team...
The average teen may continue to play hockey with friends or pursue a new interest.
The depressed teen would continue to show no interest and/or show no interests in a new hobby.
Although just examples, if you suspect depression in your teen, trying to foster a conversation with your teen about depression (in general as oppose to specific to them)can help get the ball rolling.
Your child' school or your health care provider can be a great resource to getting your teen support whether in the form or group or private counseling.
If you have any questions, concerns or experiences as it relates to children and depression please feel free to share it with the group. Chances are you are not alone in your worries or your experience may help another parent.
Danielle, Bilingual Health Educator
