Depression Is Becoming
an Epidemic!
Thanks to the CoV-2 (COVID) pandemic and the ensuing social isolation, school closures, loss of friendships, and stressed families, depression has become exceedingly commonplace amongst children.
But even prior to COVID, depression has been found to affect adolescents in every age category with at least 16% of U.S. children reporting depression at some point. Teens have even higher rates of depression, and suicidality is now the THIRD leading cause of death in people ages 10-24!
Feeling the Blues or Clinically Depressed
There is a differentiation between a depressed mood—just feeling blue—and clinical depression. But BOTH are important because they interfere with a child’s capacity to function.
Here are 9 Common Symptoms of Depression to Watch For:
Guilt
Helplessness
Hopelessness
School Avoidance/Indifference
Self-Loathing
Loss of energy
Appetite changes
Sleep disruptions (insomnia or an inability to get out of bed)
Suicidal thoughts and ideation.
Microbiome and Depression
in Kids
by Dr. Michelle Perro, MD, Pediatrician
From Can the Health of the Microbiome Affect Depression in Kids?