Childhood Depression

I also suffered from childhood depression and anxiety beginning in first grade, by second grade I was having serious suicidal thoughts but was too ashamed to tell anyone until years later.. It wasn't until the summer between 5th & 6th grade that my parents finally sought treatment for me, and that was only because I was about 20 pounds underweight because I had virtually stopped eating because I thought everything was contaminated and would kill me.. I had a very severe case of OCD.. At age 11 my mom took my to a psychiatrist where I was labeled with OCD, ADHD, and Depression.. and slapped on Ritalin, Prozac, and Buspar.. I was on meds from 11-17, when I refused to take them any more.. and I took them on & off ever since.. I was actually on meds again from Feb. '04 up till I found out I was pregnant in June.. I quit them when I found out, but I don't know ho well this is going to go..

I don't know any good resources off hand, but I'm a senior Psych major (and a bit of a geek.. I have lots of books and articles that interest me.. its just a matter of where) so I know if a do a little digging I can find some.. I have to look, but I think I actually have some books childhood depression/ childhood mental ilness I'll give you the names when I find them :wink: ..

If my child was depressed I would definitely get them to counseling.. see how that goes.. if nothing helped and things were severe I'd consider meds, but only as a last resort.. But more than anything I think its really important to be open with your kids and let them know that there is NOTHING they can't tell you.. I don't wantmy child to feel alone and ashamed like I did when I was 7-8 years old and depressed and suicidal.. I didn't understand what was happening to me, all I knew was that it wasn't normal..

My mother started noticing signs of depression in me when I was about 5 or 6. She has dealt with severe depression all over her life, but apparently did not want to believe that I could be affected by it at such a young age. My fourth grade teacher begged my parents to get me some help (I didn't know this at the time, I couldn't stand the woman and deliberately told her that I supported Dukakis, just to annoy her). In fifth grade, I started seeing psychologists and psychiatrists, and that's when I was put on medication - when I was 10. It helped, although I couldn't have told you that at the time. I was incredibly uncooperative.

I've been on medication on and off for the past 16 years. I have tried to come off it, but at this point in my life, I cannot function without it.

I do not have a child, but I think that if you think a very young child may be showing signs of depression, it might be a good idea to keep a journal of what behaviours are causing you to think this. Plus, when she seems depressed to you, ask her how she feels, and why she feels that way. When I was that age, I would go on hysterical crying jags, and when my mother asked me what was wrong, I could only wail, "I DON'T KNOW!"

It might be a good idea to take her to a psychologist or councillor, or at least talk to them yourself. Tell them what you have observed, and see what they think. Obviously, if a true chemical imbalance exists, medication might be neccessary in the future, but for now there might be some skills you and your child could learn to help her with scary feelings.

Oh, and maybe talk to her teachers. See what they have observed. They may also have some suggestions for you, or some names of people who deal with childhood depression. I was shocked, years later, to find that my elementary school teachers had given my parents advice about my own depression.

Maybe also think about her diet? Is she getting too much sugar? I know that often, when I eat too much sugar one day, I feel really depressed the next day.

AND. If your child is suffering from depression, then I think that you are the best possible mother that she can have. Knowing my mother knew exactly what I was feeling was and still is, a great comfort to me. Even if I didn't know it at the time.

When I first went to a therapist in the 7th grade, he asked me where the depression started. I cound not pin point it. As a kid, I was never really happy. I hated myself. I never knew what suicide or anything was but I just hated myself. I didn't wish to die...I would wish that I was not born human, but a dog because everyone likes dogs. I was overweight...tall...I looked like the mommy when I hung out with my little tiny tiny friends. My weight was a big part of this all. I remember being in the second grade and my mom put a tankini on me...I cried until she brought me home and put a 1 piece on me. My sister made me wear a belly shirt...I wouldn't take a picture with my sister that day because I felt fat and ugly. I didn't hae a father, he passed away when I was a baby. So I felt unnormal. Everyone had a dad but not me. I had no friends growing up and I really don't have any now. It still makes me upset that my sisters best friend is from Pre-K. I just remember crying all the time. All the fucking time.

But yeah...I still suffer depression but it's gotten a lot better with medication and therapy.

IMO, parents don't want to believe their kid is depressed or "crazy". My friend asked her mom to get her a therapist and she FLIPPED OUT. This girl is very depressed and she self-injures. Her mom won't let her see a therapist though. Pisses me off because if I had gotten help when I was younger, I probably would not have the problems I have now.

i had it pretty bad when i was a kid too. they diagnosed me with ADD and put me on ritalin. i grew up feeling as though sanity was slipping out of my fingers. diagnosis in the prairies in a small town in the early 80s wasn't as good as it could have been.

i wouldn't wish that feeling of being so depressed and yet misunderstood and no one willing to help on anyone.

I say that all the time. I wouldn't wish it on my owrst enemy.