Greetings my fellow steemians, hope your day is going normal. When we hear of depression, many thought that its not a BLACK thing. that it only exist with our white Neighbors, forgetting that its exist present within our black children.
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what is depression?
According to PSYCHOLOGY ; it is a state of mind producing serious, long term lowering of enjoyment of life or inability to visualize a happy future.
In order words, depression is a period of unhappy state. it lower morale which could last longer that several weeks and it may lead to ideation of self-inflicted injury or suicide
You might be wondering how children could be depressed since they have no bills to pay and responsibility attached to them. then, what really make them sad?
Its so sad that we have many broken homes and misguided thinking and the children are affected by it. There are needs to address mental health issues in Black community and the whole world in extension. Black Children are suffering and dying in the silent.
According to Rheed Walker, a Professor at the University of Houston, since Suicide is not known among Blacks, thats why it is difficult for the Warning signs to be detected .
Depression is common but a serious mood disorder according to National Institute of Mental Health there are many symptoms that affect how one think, feel and handle daily activities that include; sleeping, eating or working. for one or a child to be classified as depressed person, the signs must be present for at least two weeks
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Lets give attention to answers to this questions according to Dr. C. Nicole Swiner and Dr. Alisha Powell
- How does childhood depression differ from adult depression?
- What factors lead to childhood depression?
- How can you support your child through depression?
Dr. C. Nicole Swiner and therapist Dr. Alisha Powell provide us with an in-depth look at childhood depression in the Black community
How does childhood depression differ from adult depression
- Dr. Swine believe many that there are many similarity in symptoms and factors , but more symptoms are more related to decreased attention, increased the irritability and agitation thereby acting out than low mood and sadness.
- Dr. Powell says that since the Child could not be able to tell whats wrong with him/her, therefore child depression looks different from adult depression . it could lead to them becoming more isolated and less social with their peers.
What factors lead to childhood depression?
- Hormonal changes, Genetics, emotional trauma, increased stress or abuse are factors that contribute to childhood depression according to Dr. Swiner.
- Dr. Powell says that stress at home or school can lead to Childhood depression or unhealthy interpersonal relationships which can be a chemical imbalance in the brain.
How can you support your child through depression
- Dr. Swiner says that having an Open communication, counseling, and therapy will aid the child. If need be, medications, natural and pharmaceutical,and with the help of physicians.
- Dr. Powell Advice that the child be Taken to a licensed mental health professional and be open to different treatment options..
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Since the signs are not detected in Black children because depression is not known to be Black thing, it is good you have a great level of communication with your child/children and encourage them to speak out and seek for help when you are not around