Children suffering from depression due to major environmental changes

In many people's eyes, only adults suffer from depression. In reality, children can also develop depression, and recent studies show that due to changes in social environment, the number of children suffering from depression is clearly increasing.
Researchers state that significant changes in children's surroundings can cause great psychological stress. If not promptly addressed, these children may gradually exhibit early symptoms of depression. For example, in a family where parents have divorced, a child living with the mother often misses the father who is no longer around. This imbalance may make the child become withdrawn, unwilling to play with peers, and unable to concentrate on homework. Such children usually lose appetite and are always dissatisfied with themselves.
Statistical research shows that as society and mainstream culture continue to change, depression—once considered an adult illness—is quietly entering children’s lives. The rate of childhood depression has risen from about 3% in the past to about 8% today. Because many parents are unaware that children can suffer from depression, they only seek medical help when the condition worsens to a point even parents can no longer tolerate, thus missing the optimal treatment window. Early detection leads to faster recovery. For children already experiencing thoughts of running away or suicide, helping them overcome such shadows takes a long time and carries a high risk of recurrence.
Researchers emphasize that raising awareness among parents about childhood depression is crucial, as parents often attribute depressive symptoms to specific everyday events, saying things like “It will get better over time.” Parents must learn to recognize signs of depression in their children, such as sudden bedwetting, poor sleep, wandering around the house at night, frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches, or talking about wanting to run away. Older children may engage in risky behaviors. Additionally, children with depression share similar symptoms with adults: persistent low mood, irritability, fatigue, lack of interest in surroundings, tendency to think negatively, poor appetite and sleep, difficulty concentrating. If a child exhibits five or more of these symptoms continuously for two weeks, parents should promptly bring them to a hospital.
Researchers also note that when major life changes occur around a child—such as injury, death of an elder, or parental divorce—parents should be mindful of how these events might affect the child emotionally and guide them toward viewing these changes positively. If the child continues to remain in a persistently low and anxious state, medical attention should be sought immediately.