LiveWellTalk - Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

Most people are not aware of the fact that depression in children does exist…! Many of us do not realize that just like adults, small children, and teenagers can struggle with varying types of depression and levels of severity. However, adults can recognize and understand the symptoms of depression whereas a child would likely feel confused, frustrated, and even angry because of the symptoms being experienced and no understanding of why. With the information in this article, parents would find it easier to recognize a potential problem and also understand treatments that could be considered. Depression in Children and Teens When talking about depression , the way it affects a person’s life, and the various methods for dealing with depression, most people make a connection between this mental disorder and adults. Statistics show close to 4.4% (approximately 2.7 million) of U.S. children aged 3-17 years suffer from depression and over 8% of teenagers have depression. [Ref. CDC Data and S

Different Types of Depression and Their Symptoms Isn't all depression the same? Not at all. There are different types of depression that vary in intensity. Here are the 9 most common types of depression you should know about: 1. Major Depression The most common type of depression is called major or severe depression (also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD)) which affects about 7 percent of U.S. adults. A person may only experience one major episode of severe depression during his or her lifetime. Here are the primary symptoms of major depression : Extreme sadness Hopelessness Lack of energy Irritability Trouble concentrating Sleeping too much or too little Feelings of guilt Physical pain Thoughts of suicide To be diagnosed with severe depression these symptoms must last for at least two weeks. Treatment for major depression includes antidepressants and psychotherapy (talk therapy).   Read also: Major Depression (Clinical Depression): Causes, Symptom

Major Depression Major depression , also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder ( MDD ), is the most severe form of depression . Victims of major depression experience a constant state of hopelessness and despair. The symptoms are much more severe than those experienced by people who suffer from chronic depression . They often have significant difficulty sleeping, eating, working, and even enjoying the company of family and friends. Major depression is also known as unipolar disorder or recurrent depressive disorder . The NIMH estimated that 21 million adults, or 8.3% of all adults in the United States, had at least one episode of major depression in 2021. Anyone can be at risk of developing major depression. Indiscriminately it affects young and old, men and women. Women are more than twice the risk of developing major depression than men do, based on figures relating to those seeking treatment. It is believed that this is due to fluctuating hormone levels that