Depression is one of the most prominent diseases in the country today, and many doctors like to throw antidepressants around like candy in hopes of combating the problem. This is a big problem in itself, for many reasons. One is that many of these drugs just do not work, and the side-effects and health complications far outweigh any so called benefits. It is important to stop and deal with this disease early, and for many, depression starts in early childhood, especially during the teenage years. If you look at many of the medications that are prescribed, none of them are recommended for children under 18, because they can make their symptoms much worse.
Over 8% of adolescents are suffering from some form of depression, and these numbers are rising. The important thing is to take action as early as possible, to prevent them from being addicted to antidepressants later on in life. There are many different factors that contribute to this disease in young people, from chemical imbalances, stresses at school and at home, as well as traumatic events. In worse case scenarios, it can lead to attempts at suicide. Many parents that have had to bury their children often ask themselves how they could have prevented this, or if they had only known the signs. Unfortunately, in many of these cases, the signs and symptoms were right there in front of them.
First of all, there are many different signs of depression in kids that parents can watch out for. The first things to watch out for are indistinct complaints of physical discomfort, muscle, head, or stomach aches, or being tired all of the time. Continuous problems with school work, especially where there was not any before. Missing classes and skipping school altogether are some of the signs. Emotional outbursts for no real reason at all, like shouting, aggressive behavior, bouts of crying, as well as others. If they start to isolate themselves, are not interested in activities anymore, avoid their friends, these are also signs of depression as well. Read All ...