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MCC Daily Tribune

Childhood Depression Awareness Day

Childhood Depression Awareness Day, observed on May 2 this year, was created to protect and help children who are suffering from this debilitating illness. The image we usually have of childhood is of children full of life and the desire to play, but this is not always the case. Unfortunately, childhood depression exists. It is a very serious issue that needs to be discussed by parents, caregivers, and teachers. Depression is one of the main factors that cause other illnesses worldwide, and it affects all age groups. WHO classifies depression as a global health crisis, but its impact on children can be even more devastating and extreme, putting the lives of boys and girls in jeopardy.

HOW TO OBSERVE CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION AWARENESS DAY

  1. Learn more about depression
    Depression is a collective problem everyone should be aware of. When it affects children, the responsibility is even greater. Childhood Depression Awareness Day is the perfect time to learn about it.

  2. Take children's psychological distress seriously
    Children need to be taken seriously and their pain heard. During Childhood Depression Awareness Day, train your empathy and truly talk and listen to children.

  3. Contribute to the funding campaign
    To further spread awareness of childhood depression, the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health runs fundraising campaigns. Contribute whatever you can to the Green Ribbon Campaign.

5 FACTS ABOUT DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN YOU SHOULD KNOW

  1. Antisocial behavior
    Children and teens who suffer from depression tend to isolate themselves and lose interest in activities that require social skills.

  2. Drop in school performance
    Depression is a very debilitating condition, and one of the first noticeable effects in children is a drop in school performance.

  3. Apathy and irritability
    When suffering from depression, children and adolescents often assume a fight-or-flight posture, which is reflected in apathetic or aggressive behavior.

  4. Sleep and eating disorders
    It is very common for depressed children to have chronic sleep problems such as bruxism, night terrors, and insomnia, as well as eating problems such as bulimia, anorexia, and body dysmorphia.

  5. Fixed idea about suicide and death
    The pain of depression can lead to morbid obsessive thoughts, which greatly increase the risk of suicide.

WHY CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION AWARENESS DAY IS IMPORTANT

  1. It saves lives
    Raising awareness of childhood depression contributes to the prevention. Long-term, it helps save the lives of children and adolescents.

  2. Increases awareness
    There has been an increase in mental illness among children in recent years. It is important to know the symptoms and combat the stigma of mental suffering to better help children recover.

  3. Helps heal the most vulnerable
    The cure for depression requires an awareness that children and adolescents usually do not have. Children are vulnerable and struggle to defend themselves, especially emotionally and mentally. It is the role of adults to identify these problems and guide them on the healing journey.

Childhood Depression Awareness Day - National Today

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
05/02/2023