Bumps and bruises are endemic to childhood and odds are you have your home emergency kit ready and handy. But, kids, even those as young as 2 and 3 can have other problems, the sort that don’t alert the vigilant with a purple protrusion. Even quite young children can have mental problems, such as depression. Data from 2005-20012 has shown that it is not uncommon for children to have behavioral disorders and developmental issues. Also, a not insignificant number of children and teens go on to get a diagnosis of anxiety or depression. A child’s environment and life-history can play a part, as can genetics and their specific health issues. Trauma, loss and issues with learning deficits and anxiety issues can all open the door to depression in young children.

Just as with adults, there are signs that alert parents should watch for, including crying jags, changes in mood and sleeping patterns, a tendency to socially withdraw, irritability and poor concentration. This satellite of symptoms should trigger a need to get the child evaluated and perhaps evaluate the parent too, as changes may need to occur.

Key Takeaways:

• Data has shown that even quite young children, as young as 2 and three, can have mental health issues.
• Trauma, loss, physical ailments, environment, genetics and learning problems can all factor into children’s mental health status.
• Parents should be on the lookout for signs, such as irritability, withdrawal from friends and fun activities and significant changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

“And while mental health problems can be harder to detect and treat, they should not be ignored.”

Read more: https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/802203/beyond-the-blues-kids-and-depression