Although depression is more prevalent in adults, it also affects children. It is likely to progress because children may not understand what is going on. Parents should be on the lookout for any symptoms. There is no substitute for spending time with children. Children believe that loving them is when you spend time with them. One of the best ways to spend time with them is play, make the time fun. Children love to learn through play and they learn very effectively through play.

The facts about depression in children are:

1. Loneliness and sadness

If children are always lonely and looking sad, then it could be that they are depressed. When children are constantly depressed, it will affect their lives, their school work and the way they relate with other kids and members of the family. If the depression is existent, children will be in a bad mood for no reason.

2. Depression causes

When you notice that the child is having signs of depression, it is advisable to establish what is causing the depression. This will make it easier to find a solution to this condition.

3. Environmental factors

The environment in which the children are exposed to can be a cause of depression as it influences mental development. Life experiences that center on the relationship of children with their peers determine the level of their self esteem. If they are not relating well, it is likely to lower self esteem thus causing depression.

4. Genetics

Children who are from families that had members who were diagnosed with depression are at a higher risk of getting depression. However, depression in children is not limited to the genetic composition alone. There are those who do not have a genetic history in the family but they may get depression due to other causes that affect the state of the mind.

5. Economic and social status

The income level of the family can make children to be depressed if it is making it hard to relate with their peers. Children from a modest family find it hard to relate well with those who are from a higher class especially if they show off or make fun of others. It is even worse if the disadvantaged children are treated differently or bullied because of their background.

6. Treatment

Treatment should always be sought for the depressed child.

7. Discussion

Depression is better understood if you engage the children in a conversation so that you understand their feelings.