Here's what Deepika Padukone's therapist has to say about depression in children
| Jan 30, 2019, 15:30 IST
Depression has become an increasingly prevalent problem in our country. While more and more people have started suffering from the condition, what's alarming is that even most children in the country are facing depression. While we may not think that children go through depression as much as adults do, a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2017 showed that one in four children in the age group of 13-15 years in India suffers from depression.
Only a few of these cases are detected and then the children receive the appropriate treatment. However, most cases remain undetected and then it becomes a lot more difficult for children to manage their situation. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone garnered much appreciation when she opened up about facing depression. And now, her therapist Anna Chandy has spoken about how children suffer from depression and what can be done to combat it.
“It is the responsibility of each parent to ensure that their children receive a positive, encouraging and nurturing environment, both at home and school, as this will improve their physical and mental health,” Anna Chandy says. “Children whose parents suffer from depression are more likely to develop this condition than those whose parents have better mental health. Apart from this, children hailing from chaotic and dysfunctional families, or those who indulge in substance abuse are more prone to it. Traumatic life incidents can also trigger the symptoms,” she adds.
Talking about the symptoms of depression in children, she said, “Some symptoms in children that all parents must look out for include sadness, hopelessness, and sporadic mood changes. They are also prone to irritability, anger, vocal outbursts, crying, social withdrawal, fear of rejection, low concentration, worthlessness, and feeling of guilt. The physiological symptoms include deficient or excess appetite and sleep; stomach aches and headaches that do not respond to medicinal treatment; and fatigue.”
She concluded by saying that it is imperative that parents keep a lookout for the way their children behave and also take immediate action if they feel something is wrong. Stay tuned for more updates.
Only a few of these cases are detected and then the children receive the appropriate treatment. However, most cases remain undetected and then it becomes a lot more difficult for children to manage their situation. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone garnered much appreciation when she opened up about facing depression. And now, her therapist Anna Chandy has spoken about how children suffer from depression and what can be done to combat it.
“It is the responsibility of each parent to ensure that their children receive a positive, encouraging and nurturing environment, both at home and school, as this will improve their physical and mental health,” Anna Chandy says. “Children whose parents suffer from depression are more likely to develop this condition than those whose parents have better mental health. Apart from this, children hailing from chaotic and dysfunctional families, or those who indulge in substance abuse are more prone to it. Traumatic life incidents can also trigger the symptoms,” she adds.
Talking about the symptoms of depression in children, she said, “Some symptoms in children that all parents must look out for include sadness, hopelessness, and sporadic mood changes. They are also prone to irritability, anger, vocal outbursts, crying, social withdrawal, fear of rejection, low concentration, worthlessness, and feeling of guilt. The physiological symptoms include deficient or excess appetite and sleep; stomach aches and headaches that do not respond to medicinal treatment; and fatigue.”
She concluded by saying that it is imperative that parents keep a lookout for the way their children behave and also take immediate action if they feel something is wrong. Stay tuned for more updates.