Depression in children: Not a myth, what parents should do

New Delhi: Depression can strike anyone irrespective of age, sex and race, including children. Studies have linked parental depression to problems in children. Kids whose parents are depressed have a higher risk of developing depression in adolescence.

But depression is certainly treatable and it needs to be addressed immediately. While it's normal for kids to feel sad, down or irritated from time to time, prolonged negative feelings can affect a child's ability to function normally.

If you feel that your child has characteristics of depression see that you offer help at the earliest possible way. There are many things you can do to help improve your child's mental well-being or cope with depression:

• Talk to your child about things happening at home, at school and outside school.
• Always find time to spend with your child.
• Try to find out if anything is bothering him/her and offer help.
• Protect your child from excessive stress, maltreatment and violence.
• Seek advice from your healthcare provider.
• Pay attention to your child's well-being, particularly during life changes such as puberty.
• Encourage him/her to adopt a healthier lifestyle such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy and regularly, exercising.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests seeking immediate help from a trained professional if your child has thoughts of harming him or herself.

Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for 14 days or longer.

This World Health Day, celebrated each year on 7 April, WHO is focusing on depression - which is the leading cause of disability worldwide – with the theme 'Depression: Let's talk'.