Faye B. Roberts
Divorce and child depression may very well go hand in hand as parental separation and divorce can be totally devastating for children and teenagers.
Major life changing events are usually the cause of depression, with divorce topping the scale for children and teen depression. Imagine how hard it is to watch the two people you love the most no longer living and guiding you together as it was. With the family unit broken, lives turned upside down you may have to watch for the onset of child depression.
Children and teens often feel stuck in the middle of their parents divorce and not understanding the new rules to which apply to their new lives. They have a very hard time excepting the realism of divorce and finality that comes with the termination of a marriage.
Every persons reaction and coping mechanisms are different. While many children will handle this new situation with relatively few problems or permanent negative effects while for others, the act of divorce can be very traumatic and long-lived.
The trauma created by divorce is determined by the child’s experience of the event, not simply the event itself. Every child in the family could have a dramatically different emotional reaction to the changes related to divorce. Some children believe that they caused the breakdown of the marriage.
Your attitude and coping skills will shape your children's attitude. The words and actions you choose can either expose your children to unnecessary emotional pain or help them develop in positive ways.
Depression and anxiety may start at the separation by my occur for years after the divorce. It may also reoccur during special events, weekends, holidays, birthdays or any time your child misses the complete family unit.
Here are some steps to decrease the chance of your divorce and child depression
· Honesty is the best policy: Be honest with yourself about the potential for emotional trauma in your individual children.
· Communication : Allow your children to communicate openly with each parent.
· Choices: By offering your children choices, whenever possible, will increase their sense of control over their lives.
· Support : Get the proper support for yourself and your children, It may differ for each individual
· Normal – By keeping life as normal as you can with the same routine, same activities and
There is nothing more agonizing in divorce than seeing the effect it has on your child? Even though the marriage ending may be a good thing the result it has on children can still be devastating. Learning ways to help your children cope with the negative long and short term effects of separation and divorce can help to prevent depression and decrease the effects of divorce and child depression.
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Faye B. Roberts is an independent researcher and author on depression and is assisting others in their quest to understand this serious illness. Discover a new way of thinking and coping with depression that will change the way you look, feel and live your life. Visit Facts On Depression For a free report on depression visit: How to Find the Help You Require
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Depression is the fourth most important cause of disability worldwide
I found this video on You Tube and thought that it made some important points. It stresses the importance of exercise in helping to deal with depression. When your depressed it is hard to think of doing anything,let alone exercising, but as you excericise certain chemicals are released in our bodies and they help to control depression.
For a great book on dealing with depression visit:
http://www.factsondepression.com
For a great book on dealing with depression visit:
http://www.factsondepression.com
Better Life
Here is a short video called Better Life giving some statistics on depression and how common it actually is. It is really a disease that effects your family, friends and communinity, and knowing that your not alone can sometimes help.
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For some great help in coping with depression Visit:
Facts On depression
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For some great help in coping with depression Visit:
Facts On depression
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Treatments For Childhood Depression
Faye B. Roberts
Treatment for childhood depression varies. What works for one child may not necessarily work for another. The first and most important step is finding a child psychiatrist to evaluate and treat a depressed child. A child psychiatrist has received specialized training in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in children. Other health care practitioners including family doctors and pediatricians may have taken a course in child psychiatry, but a great majority are not experts in the field.
As a general rule, with mild to moderate depression, one first tries psychotherapy. This may include family therapy to help the members of the family understand what the depressed child is experiencing. It has been shown that family therapy can speed recovery and help prevent a relapse. Discussions with your health care provider can help you determine which psycho therapeutic method is best suited for your child.
Studies have shown that treatment for childhood depression using cognitive-behavioral therapy may work the fastest, but the child's psychiatrist will determine which method is best. Cognitive therapy works by helping a child examine and correct negative thought patterns and erroneous negative assumptions about them self. Behaviorally, it encourages the child to use positive coping behaviors instead of avoiding situations or giving up. When therapy has been completed, the child may benefit from scheduled or "as-needed" booster sessions.
If therapy does not produce enough improvement then an anti-depressant may be added to the regime. Again, this depends on the degree of the depression. If it is severe depression or there is serious acting out your health care provider may start medication at the beginning of the treatment.
The medical treatment of child and adolescent depression using SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors -- Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, etc.) has proven very beneficial. The side effects of SSRIs are not as annoying as those of the older medications and are less toxic in overdoses. Compared to adults, adolescents are a bit more likely to become agitated or to develop a mania while taking an SSRI. The doctor should warn you about the symptoms of mania, especially if there is a family history of Bipolar Disorder. If your child has had a manic episode in the past, some doctors will suggest adding a mood stabilizer like Lithium or Depakote.
The treatments for childhood depression vary from child to child. Using psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both can help your child overcome depression. And the best news of all is that childhood depression can be treated successfully.
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Faye B. Roberts is an independent researcher on divorce and the effect it has on the entire family. Find out how to start enjoying your life again. http://www.divorceandyourfamily.info
Treatment for childhood depression varies. What works for one child may not necessarily work for another. The first and most important step is finding a child psychiatrist to evaluate and treat a depressed child. A child psychiatrist has received specialized training in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in children. Other health care practitioners including family doctors and pediatricians may have taken a course in child psychiatry, but a great majority are not experts in the field.
As a general rule, with mild to moderate depression, one first tries psychotherapy. This may include family therapy to help the members of the family understand what the depressed child is experiencing. It has been shown that family therapy can speed recovery and help prevent a relapse. Discussions with your health care provider can help you determine which psycho therapeutic method is best suited for your child.
Studies have shown that treatment for childhood depression using cognitive-behavioral therapy may work the fastest, but the child's psychiatrist will determine which method is best. Cognitive therapy works by helping a child examine and correct negative thought patterns and erroneous negative assumptions about them self. Behaviorally, it encourages the child to use positive coping behaviors instead of avoiding situations or giving up. When therapy has been completed, the child may benefit from scheduled or "as-needed" booster sessions.
If therapy does not produce enough improvement then an anti-depressant may be added to the regime. Again, this depends on the degree of the depression. If it is severe depression or there is serious acting out your health care provider may start medication at the beginning of the treatment.
The medical treatment of child and adolescent depression using SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors -- Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, etc.) has proven very beneficial. The side effects of SSRIs are not as annoying as those of the older medications and are less toxic in overdoses. Compared to adults, adolescents are a bit more likely to become agitated or to develop a mania while taking an SSRI. The doctor should warn you about the symptoms of mania, especially if there is a family history of Bipolar Disorder. If your child has had a manic episode in the past, some doctors will suggest adding a mood stabilizer like Lithium or Depakote.
The treatments for childhood depression vary from child to child. Using psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both can help your child overcome depression. And the best news of all is that childhood depression can be treated successfully.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faye B. Roberts is an independent researcher on divorce and the effect it has on the entire family. Find out how to start enjoying your life again. http://www.divorceandyourfamily.info
Monday, June 11, 2007
Identifying Depression In Children
Faye B. Roberts
Depression in children is different from the normal "blues" and usual emotions that happens as a child develops. Just because a child seems depressed or sad does not necessarily mean they have childhood depression. But if these symptoms become ongoing, disruptive, and interfere with daily social activities, their schoolwork and their home life, it may indicate that he or she has a medical illness called depression. Keep in mind that while depression in children is a serious illness, it is also treatable.
Because they are often passed off as normal growing pains, the emotional and psychological changes that occur for a child who is depressed are often left undiagnosed and therefore untreated. The symptoms in children are very similar to the symptoms for an adult in that they will display sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, and mood changes.
Some of the symptoms and behaviors linked with depression in children include:
* Irritability, crying, feeling sad, helpless or hopeless
* Continuous feelings of worthlessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in social activities
* Fatigue and loss of energy nearly every day
* Fearful, tense, anxious
* Repeated rejection by other children
* A drop in school performance
* Inability to sit still, fidgeting or pacing, difficulty concentrating
* Repeated vocal outbursts, shouting or complaining
* Doesn't interact with other children
* Repeated physical complaints without medical cause (headaches, stomach aches)
* Significant change in appetite (not due to appropriate dieting)
* Change in sleep patterns
There are also some serious and critical symptoms associated with depression in children. Medical intervention is imperative if a child displays any of these symptoms.
* Suicidal thoughts, feelings or self-harming behavior
* Abuse or prolonged use of alcohol or other drugs
As difficult as it may be to accept, studies show that children as young as 6 years old use street drugs. The use of drugs and alcohol among children is known to create depression. Drugs can cause mood swings, but on the other hand, someone with depression or mania may use drugs to take away the pain of uncontrollable mood changes. Determining if drugs or alcohol plays a part in a child's depression often requires some expert detective work. Parents need to be objective and discover if indeed that is part of the situation and be prepared to delve into all possibilities.
The correct diagnosis of depression is complicated and a mental health practitioner should be consulted. Working with your doctor you can come to a consensus as to the proper treatment for the child. Depression in children is treatable. Noticing any unusual symptoms is the first step. Getting help is the second one.
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Faye B. Roberts is an independent researcher and author on depression and is assisting others in their quest to understand this serious illness. Discover a new way of thinking and coping with depression that will change the way you look, feel and live your life. Visit Facts On Depression
Depression in children is different from the normal "blues" and usual emotions that happens as a child develops. Just because a child seems depressed or sad does not necessarily mean they have childhood depression. But if these symptoms become ongoing, disruptive, and interfere with daily social activities, their schoolwork and their home life, it may indicate that he or she has a medical illness called depression. Keep in mind that while depression in children is a serious illness, it is also treatable.
Because they are often passed off as normal growing pains, the emotional and psychological changes that occur for a child who is depressed are often left undiagnosed and therefore untreated. The symptoms in children are very similar to the symptoms for an adult in that they will display sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, and mood changes.
Some of the symptoms and behaviors linked with depression in children include:
* Irritability, crying, feeling sad, helpless or hopeless
* Continuous feelings of worthlessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in social activities
* Fatigue and loss of energy nearly every day
* Fearful, tense, anxious
* Repeated rejection by other children
* A drop in school performance
* Inability to sit still, fidgeting or pacing, difficulty concentrating
* Repeated vocal outbursts, shouting or complaining
* Doesn't interact with other children
* Repeated physical complaints without medical cause (headaches, stomach aches)
* Significant change in appetite (not due to appropriate dieting)
* Change in sleep patterns
There are also some serious and critical symptoms associated with depression in children. Medical intervention is imperative if a child displays any of these symptoms.
* Suicidal thoughts, feelings or self-harming behavior
* Abuse or prolonged use of alcohol or other drugs
As difficult as it may be to accept, studies show that children as young as 6 years old use street drugs. The use of drugs and alcohol among children is known to create depression. Drugs can cause mood swings, but on the other hand, someone with depression or mania may use drugs to take away the pain of uncontrollable mood changes. Determining if drugs or alcohol plays a part in a child's depression often requires some expert detective work. Parents need to be objective and discover if indeed that is part of the situation and be prepared to delve into all possibilities.
The correct diagnosis of depression is complicated and a mental health practitioner should be consulted. Working with your doctor you can come to a consensus as to the proper treatment for the child. Depression in children is treatable. Noticing any unusual symptoms is the first step. Getting help is the second one.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faye B. Roberts is an independent researcher and author on depression and is assisting others in their quest to understand this serious illness. Discover a new way of thinking and coping with depression that will change the way you look, feel and live your life. Visit Facts On Depression
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Quote
I ran across this quote today and it really hit home. Even though you may feel at the end of your rope now, better days lie ahead.
"One ceases to recognize the significance of mountain peaks if they are not viewed occasionally from the deepest valleys."
--- Dr. Al Lorin
Faye B. Roberts is striving to help people with depression have brighter days. For more great information on depression Visit: Coping with depression
"One ceases to recognize the significance of mountain peaks if they are not viewed occasionally from the deepest valleys."
--- Dr. Al Lorin
Faye B. Roberts is striving to help people with depression have brighter days. For more great information on depression Visit: Coping with depression
Saturday, June 9, 2007
How To Identify Depressed Behavior
Faye B. Roberts
Only a member of the medical profession can properly diagnose your symptoms of depression and should be consulted if you, or a loved one is displaying signs of depressed behavior.
There are however, a few behaviors that you can look for that will help you recognize depression. There are two underlying symptoms that are predominant. The first is a loss of interest in daily activities to such a degree that you no longer receive pleasure in activities you used to enjoy. The second is having a depressed mood. You may have crying spells and you feel helpless and hopeless. In addition, for a health professional to make a correct diagnosis, most of the following signs and symptoms of depressed behavior must also be present for at least two weeks:
* Having sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or too little can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
* Your thinking or concentration may be impaired. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with your memory.
* Your weight changes. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depressed behavior.
* Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed by everyday common occurrences.
* Your body movements slow down or you feel fatigued. You feel weary and lack energy nearly every day. You feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You feel like you're doing everything in slow motion or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
* You have low self-esteem. You feel worthless and suffer from excessive guilt.
* Decreased interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice your level of interest in having sexual relations is dramatically decreased.
* Persistent thoughts of death. You have a recurring negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying, even of suicide.
Recognizing the symptoms of depressed behavior is the first step, but the proper diagnosis should be done by your family doctor. From there, working together you can design a plan that works best for you. The good news is that depression is treatable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To get a great book on living with depression Visit Coping With Depression
Only a member of the medical profession can properly diagnose your symptoms of depression and should be consulted if you, or a loved one is displaying signs of depressed behavior.
There are however, a few behaviors that you can look for that will help you recognize depression. There are two underlying symptoms that are predominant. The first is a loss of interest in daily activities to such a degree that you no longer receive pleasure in activities you used to enjoy. The second is having a depressed mood. You may have crying spells and you feel helpless and hopeless. In addition, for a health professional to make a correct diagnosis, most of the following signs and symptoms of depressed behavior must also be present for at least two weeks:
* Having sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or too little can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
* Your thinking or concentration may be impaired. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with your memory.
* Your weight changes. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depressed behavior.
* Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed by everyday common occurrences.
* Your body movements slow down or you feel fatigued. You feel weary and lack energy nearly every day. You feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You feel like you're doing everything in slow motion or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
* You have low self-esteem. You feel worthless and suffer from excessive guilt.
* Decreased interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice your level of interest in having sexual relations is dramatically decreased.
* Persistent thoughts of death. You have a recurring negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying, even of suicide.
Recognizing the symptoms of depressed behavior is the first step, but the proper diagnosis should be done by your family doctor. From there, working together you can design a plan that works best for you. The good news is that depression is treatable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To get a great book on living with depression Visit Coping With Depression
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