The existence of depression symptoms in childhood was not accepted until recently; The main reason for this was that the child was an individual who had not completed his development and could not express himself as much as an adult. Today, research shows that the presence of depressive symptoms can often be observed in childhood. There is no difference in depression diagnosis rates between boys and girls, but the incidence of depressive disorder increases in girls after age 12. While it starts to decrease in men after the age of 9, it starts to decrease.
When the presence of depression in adolescents and children is examined, it is seen that at least one person in the family also has symptoms of depression. Untreated depression, especially observed in mothers and fathers who are first degree relatives of children and adolescents; It increases depressive symptoms in children by 50%. The depressive attitudes of the mother or father cause children and adolescents, who provide their behavioral and emotional development by taking them as a model, to adopt negative feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
Depression in children; It manifests itself with sleep and eating disorders, unresponsiveness, and concentration disorders. It is important that the families of children who begin the psychological treatment process with the depressive attitudes of their parents also undergo psychotherapy. At the very least, they should cooperate during the therapy process. The presence of depression in both parents greatly increases the risk of childhood depression.
A negative family environment also increases suicidal thoughts in adolescence. Parents who are punitive, incapable of communicating, and constantly conflicting with the adolescent increase negative moods. Family conflict also results from parents wanting to control their teenage children's behavior. Suicidal ideation during adolescence is a very important symptom of depression that should be taken into consideration. Young people and children at risk should be followed with great care. He should definitely get psychological support. In addition to psychological support, family therapies are also important to make the family attitude positive.
Social support is important in coping with depression. For social support to work, family and friends must be supportive and positive. should be included in the approaches. What is meant here is not to do everything the depressed individual says and to constantly approve of him in necessary and unnecessary situations. Just knowing that they are understood, loved and protected will be good for them to cope with depression. Adolescence is a period when the influence of hormones is intense in boys and girls and a search for identity is experienced. It is important for parents to first become aware of their own problems and then the problems of their children.
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