Childhood Depression

My son had some of the same symptoms you talked about.I took him to the doctor and he had blood test that found a thyroid problem. He was diagnosed with Graves disease, a form of thyroid disorder. He was medicated for about 6 mo. and now has no symptoms. Doing better in school, and putting on weight.

I feel for you, hon. I've been dealing with depression since childhood. I'm not an expert or a professional of any kind, so I'm hesitant to offer any advice, but I will say that perhaps you should consider taking her to see a child psychologist. I would not recommend a psychiatrist because they really have no special training in psychology - they're M.D.s, so all they really know is the biological aspect. It sounds like she may be predisposed to depression, but it's mostly the recent events in her life that have triggered her symptoms and behaviors. So my first step would be a psychologist. And this is just my personal recommendation, but she's so young, I'd really view medication as a last resort.

I don't know anything about this really, but please don't knock meds until you really do some research. I was depressed as a child for other reasons, and even that young I remember feeling so sad and hopeless and that I would never feel any better. I wish my parents had realized it and maybe given me meds just long enough to bring me out of it.

Havne't had to deal with depression in early childhood, but I have a teen now who is dealing with that. She is on meds. Have you sought counseling? I work at a medical facility and I have it on good authority that sherman behavioral health is a wonderful facility. You can go there free. They are right off of 75 by that WNJ outpatient area.

I know some people are against medications, but sometimes it is simply a chemical imbalance, just like any other medical condition. My daughter is on low-dose meds and they do her a world of good.

By the way, if your husband is OEF/OIF, please tell him to get to the VA for his benefits. WE want to help him. I work at the facility in Bonham.

Dear T.,

Yes, YES, Y E S!! I am an expert in childhood depression!!! All children can suffer from depression. If it is situational (death, divorce, separation), then they will eventually get over it w/or w/o meds.

Sounds like your daughter needs to be evaluated by a professional counselor or child psychiatrist. Weight loss and behavior changes need to be taken seriously.

Since you mention that depression runs in the family, then she just might need meds mom to regulate her moods.

I have suffered situational depression, my children have also gone through it, but one child actually suffers greatly from this malady and must take meds or she is uncontrollable!!!

If worse comes to worse, please take your child to a psychiatric facility.

Hope this helps.....

P.

This sound like OCD. Please see your childs doctor and ask for some help!! Medication isnt always the answer,but some cousiling and behaior therapy could help. Try not to worry around her and keep things calm until you can get her some help.

Please find a family coucelor in your area. I went through so much when I little (my father died, my brother was in and out of the hospital for cancer, and my sister was out of control). My mom periodically was take me to a psycologist... and because I new that she cared and I had many people to talk to... I was fine. As an adult I am happy, well adjusted, respond well to difficult situations, and knowthat no matter what happens I will be okay. Seek help for her and by her a diary!!!

Hello i have three boys the oldest is 6 and he will be 7 in April I believe he suffers from depression also. It runs in my family as well. He has always been a very happy child until this pass November. My father died and he was very close to him because we live with my parents since he was about 11 months old my dad was sick for a long time. My husband and I moved in with my parents so that I could help my mom take care of my father. It has been really hard on all of us but especially him because my husband works out of town so my dad was the man in the house. My son got to go to his first basketball game with my dad. I have him in counciling because I to do not want him on medication. It is helping but it is a slow process. After my father died i got put on depression medicine because I have always been really close to my father and was not handling it to well. The aggression is hard to deal with from my son but the counselor is trying to help us both learn how to deal and learn tecniques to control it. I hope my story will help you with your daughter. I would try counciling before putting her on medication. Depression medication for children can make the depression worse.

A suggestion before you turn to anti-depressants: You might want to have her hormone levels checked. I've been learning a lot lately about hormones and it's amazing to discover the symptoms that can be the result of a hormone imbalance. I discovered that I have low thyroid (hypothyroidism) which can cause depression, mood swings, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, night sweats, anger and irritability, difficulty handling stress, digestive system and matabolism disorders, etc., etc., etc. ... Your daughter is so young, but one or more of her hormones out-of-balance might cause the symptoms you describe. An endocrinologst may be able to help.

Hi T.,

WOW! Your family has had a lot of tough issues this past year or two.

You are wise to take her to a doctor for the physical evaluations. It is wise to see if there are any physical conditions that need treatment.

Your pediatrician might recommend some type of counseling after this. It sounds as if your daughter is feeling some stress and could benefit from learning how to deal with it in a healthier manner. Don't be too quick to have her labeled with a condition, though. Just seek some help from a friendly, positive professional.

Counseling and therapy can be quite helpful and does not mean your daughter has anything "wrong" with her. We went through a situation with one of my sons when he was suffering from GERD (acid reflux) for a long while. We sought counseling to help him learn to better deal with the pain. He is much better in all respects now.

Try not to focus too much on all this. If you are really worried and thinking about it often, she will pick up on that negative energy and might actually get more upset from concern that something "really bad" is happening to her.

Nutritional supplements might help, but continue on the path with your Pediatrician and possible counseling. It sounds as if she is normally a very happy child. She is just hitting a few of those "bumpy" areas that we all hit at one time or the other.

Let me know what you decide to do.

GOOD LUCK!

J. B
PARENT COACH

I am so sorry for your situation. Your child sounds like she is a gifted child who may be to smart for her own good. It sounds to me like she understands far more at a young age then she should and it's taking its toll. One thing I saw work (as far as talking with her and getting in her head) is talking with her about what you worry about (little things) and then maybe she will open up about what worries her. I have seen this work specifically when the parents talked about things they believed the child was worrying about. Every time she starts bitting her nails start talking about whats bugging her or distract her if you can. I know with 3 children that is much easier said then done, but its worth a shot.

Hi. I, too, am in a military family, so I understand a lot of what the kids go through. My husband was deployed twice, returning the 2nd time after being in an explosion. I would suggest taking her to see one of the couselors the military provides, sooner than later, to help her work her feelings out. I am also an independant representative of a company called LifeForce Int. There is a product called Body Balance, that is made from aloe and sea vegetables and is packed with nutrients. It comes in a juice form and can help your body to better handle everyday stresses and boost the immune system. For children, the recommended dosage is an ounce/50 pounds. It may be worth trying it, to see if it helps her body balance itself out. If you want more info on it, you can email me at ____@____.com care, J.

BE CAREFUL, YOUR CHILD MAY NOT HAVE DEPRESSION AT ALL!!!

I am also a military wife and my daughter is 6 on Sunday. She is in public school but skipped Kindergarten and went to 1st grade where she is doing well. She bites her nails until her cuticles bleed. My daughter also has angry outbursts (liek a teenager sometimes). Her "tummy hurts" and she has "headaches" a lot to the point that I took her to the optomitrist to rule out eye problems (she needed reading glasses). You didn't say if she was the oldest child, but mine is. I really think that it is just attention-seeking behavior. With focus on Dad, brother and baby (and rightly so)your poor little girl got lost in the fray. Take her out for some one-on-one time and make an effort to spend some quality down-time with her every day. Give her some "chores" to do to help you or let her help in the kitchen or set the table while you cook. Do a little bonding. It might not be a bad idea for you to use the Family Support counselors on base to help her deal with some of the issues she has gone through, but I would SERIOUSLY STAY OFF THE MEDS UNTIL THERE IS A SPECIFIC BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM. RIGHT NOW, SHE SOUNDS LIKE A NORMAL SIX YEAR-OLD TO ME!

You are doing the right thing by seeing a doctor for her physical symptoms. They may be linked to depression and they may not, so better safe than sorry. If meds is not the way you want to go you may look into a counselor. Sometimes kids find it easier to tell someone else about problems at home than their parents, especially if she is a very sensitive child. There are counselors that specialize in this sort of thing, and are very good at helping children work through hard times. I went through this as a child when my parents divorced, and my counselor was my saving grace. I still keep in touch with her as a friend. You seem like a great mom, keep your head up and trust in the Lord.

HI T.!
I agree with Suzette. Try seeing a naturopathic doctor and go the holistic route. They tend to find out what's going on inside rather than prescribing meds to mask the problem. Food allergies cause a number of problems in children and are often diagnosed as ADD or ADHD. They can cause depression, headaches, allergies, rashes, and mood swings. Tai Chi and Qigong might help relax both you and your daughter. Maybe there are some dvd's out there that you can do together. I am sorry to hear the tough time you and your family has had recently.Lots of prayers your way!
Good luck
~B

Hey T.! My name is J. L. I have a son that is about your daughters age and it sounds like to me that they act about the same way and do the same things. I took him to a sychiatrist and had him tested and he was diagnosed ADHD. I am not saying thats what your daughter has but you might want to have her tested for that. My son is taking a medication for his adhd and it really has helped. He is concentrating better and he is coping better with things. He's doing great in school. I really hope that you find out what the problem is. I hate to hear about other children going through these kind of things because I know what my son has gone through. It was hard to see him like that and feel like there was nothing that I could do. I really hope things get better for you guys. good luck!
J. L.

I just wanted to add my 2 sence on a comment that a well intentioned young lady said. I do not believe your daughter has OCD. I have OCD i have had it since childhood and I do not think ocd makes a person aggressive or nail bite or any of the other physical symptoms she is displaying.

I am not a doctor but It sounds like she is a worried little girl and though OCD does cause you to worry. It seems with all of the things happening in your house her worries probably have some ground to stand on unlike most OCD prompted worries.

I also had depression from a young age about 12 or 13 years old into adulthood. but Thank the Lord I am free now.

I admit that I do not know alot about Childhood depression but It might be nice to change the enviorment for a little while. If at all possible take her to her favorite theme park or chucky cheese. Just something to get her mind off of things and have her see a doctor to be sure.

Medicine should always be a last resort to many people want to treat the symptoms instead of the problem. Becareful you do not get a perscription happy doctor.

May you be Blessed and find the answer you are looking for.

I used to be a child psychologist before I chose to stay at home with my daughter, so I wanted to respond to your email. I really feel for all your family has been through. I would suggest meeting with a psychologist, perhaps as a family and also maybe for her individually. It sounds like anxiety could also be a factor. Many children will display anxiety through somatic (physical) complaints since they do not have all the tools to communicate their feelings verbally. There have been many changes in your family and health issues as well it sounds like. you are right that this is a lot to handle for everyone. One thing that is important for her, and probably everyone else as well, is to make sure she feels secure at home--that you will be there to take care of her. Make sure she doesn't know too much information about health issues (for example--scary facts about surgeries or tumors). A good therapist can help you explain some of these grown up things to her. Also the therapist would also help for her to communicate her worries and fears through playing and drawings. It sounds like she is very smart, she may just need more help communcating her worries/fears. I hope this helps. I would be cautious of anyone who would put her on medication at this point. She has a lot of stresses at the moment and there are many other options to try before medication. At such a young age, no one is really sure of the effects of these meds at their. Good luck to you and your family.

What really helped my daughter was diet, eliminate dairy and reduce gluten, increase veggies and fruits. The chest pain may be acid reflux, which sometimes gets worse with stress. You can ask your doctor about probiotics (culturelle) and Omegas (3-6-9- Nordic Naturals)This not only helped DD but everyone in the family felt better, My pediatrician was not a big help in this area, they go straight to the drugs. I would say give it a try, before drugs. God bless you and your family, so everything turns well.

T.:
I am sorry your daughter and you all are going through such times. I am not sure if you mentioned this or not, but I guess what came to mind was to seek proffesional help. There are some wonderful counseling/psychologists out there that can provide a full diagnosis and the appropriate support and guidance for you and your daughter.
I personally have a great one to recommend if you wish, just let me know. I know he is great with kids and adults.
I wish you luck,

I am not sure that this is possible in her age, but have you thought about having her thyroid checked? I know that the thyroid can cause all of those symptom, and probably isn't something peds think of checking at that age...but might be worth a shot...Simple blood work. Anyway she sounds like me and I thought I was suffering from depression and turns out my thyroid is out of whack. Anyway, thought I'd throw that out there.

Don't forget B vitamins, especially B6, helps with depression and can have a calming effect. She may also need some spray magnesium oil, which calms, you can find it online. Insecurity, which she likely has a huge amount of can often cause these behaviors, maybe she needs to sleep next to someone for a while.. and receive the comfort that comes in that to help with her sleep. Tweaking her diet to maximum nutrition could be helpful.. try cutting out MSG (which is no small task, MSG is an excitotoxin NOT GOOD FOR US, BUT ESPECIALLY NOT GOOD FOR CHILDREN) and getting away from processed foods. Harp music has been shown to change brain wave patterns as well and aid in calmness. As for the losing weight, did she have weight to lose? If not then every bite she eats needs to be high nutrition while she is going through all the tough times. These are major life situations she has been going through and even adults buckle under them, no surprise a little one might.
I don't know how you can restore her security when daddy's health is in question, the baby's health was in question, the deployment etc. You said she had a "personal trauma"? Not sure how to deal with that, since you don't say what it is...but I'm sure you know that if it has anything to do with her person being hurt or in some way molested or anything like that you would need assistance to work through that...(praying it wasn't something like that)If you can I would get her tested for food and enviromental allergies as well.. they can cause behavior issues and sleep issues and physical manifestations.

It sounds like your little girl has gone through qiute a lot, even without depression running in the family. I, too, suffered from childhood depression and ADD and my son suffers from anxiety and minor depression.

I was never treated and I think that was a BIG mistake. As time went on, I suffered more and more. Of course, at the time, parents were not so aware of what was going on in their children's lives. My son, however, was treated with meds along with psychiatric counceling, which helped him to deal with his emotions in a positive way.

He is now in college and is on meds again (his choice) because his anxiety/depression is more than he can handle along with his school load. He also has has some personal issues he is dealing with. Incidentially, most of his symptoms were the same as your daughter's.

I can't advise you whether or not to medicate your daughter but I do note in your letter that you say that you yourself suffer from depression "although it is treated and under contol." Does this mean that you medicate?

Personally, I have found that medicaion has saved my life. I am so much happier now. My life feels NORMAL. I only wish it had always been so. It could be that given all the trama that has been going on in your family, that a little medication and counceling through this difficult period could give her the necessary tools to make it through other difficult periods in her life.

Good luck. She sounds like a beautiful child.

It sounds like a lot of family stress is going on. I would think many people would succumb to such pressure - I would recommend finding a good counsellor and have her do some counselling.

T., Even though I'm not a trained psychologist, it sounds like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to me. My 8 year old son is recovering from our trauma last summer. In the beginning, his behavior was almost exactly like you've described. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that takes away the feeling of safety and peace. My sister (who is a child psychologist) had me direct some visulization for him right before bedtime. While I rubbed his forehead (it's a major key-although the infamous "they" don't know why it is so effective) I would have him picture a peaceful place (we used the beach). I would describe the sights, sounds, smell and feel to him. Once he was relaxed, I would introduce the ideas of safety and peace to him. I would tell him that he was safe in our house. I would remind him that we use the locks to keep out the bad guys. I would talk about how much I love him and then name about 10 other people who love him. We are deeply religious so I would remind him that he was watched over by Heavenly Father. We went through this routine for a few weeks until he quit waking up with nightmares. Now, I will periodically make physical and eye contact with him and quietly remind him that we are safe and loved. I can tell when he needs it because he starts to wiggle his hands a lot. If your daughter was my child, I'd have her talk to a professional. They can direct you what would be best for her. Play therapy is a wonderful way to help a child through a crisis. I am thankful that we didn't need to use medication. I did have more time to spend with him-I only have 2 kids, neither is an infant and my husband is home every night. I wish you all the best. We will put you in our prayers. J. W.

I started dealing with depression at 15 and didn't accept it until I was 21. I take medication but hopefully your young daughter won't have to. Take her to the pediatrician and maybe he'll refer you to a psychologist and psychiatrist. I find that I feel SO much better when I exercise regularly so make sure she's active (but not overwhelemed). Sounds like your family is going through a lot and I am so glad you're a good enough mom to realize your daughter might have a problem. My mom is still in denial about her depression AND mine!!

I wished I had an answer for you...I would suggest Christian counseling to start...I'm not one for meds either, but I don't know your full situation. I suffered from depression as a teen and was on the verge of suicide.
It wasn't until I began my faith walk, that everything had changed. I fully believe in the power of prayer. My heart aches for you, it's so hard to watch our children having troubles. I will pray that you may have healing, comfort and peace through this difficult time. Know you are loved!

Proverbs 3:4-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I have three friends with children who have depression. They are all girls and about your daughter's age. All three of them are in consuling. None of them are on medication. I know two other children who are on medication for anxiety.
Your daughter has had a lot to deal with.
If she is not in consuling I think that would help her.
Have they diagnosised her with anxiety?
I hope you find the answers you need.
L.
my kids are 9,6 and 2.

Dear T., My heart goes out to you & your family, you have really been through alot. I don't believe in taking meds if at all possible, they are just cover-ups for the symptoms. I do believe in doing as much natural as possible. I think some counseling might also help.
Alot of times we are deprived nutritionally, which can cause us to feel bad. I don't know if what I have will help, but if you are open to looking at something that is natural contact me.
N. B
____@____.com

T.
Hi - I dealt with Childhood depression when I was younger myself. I was sick all the time and no doctor could figure it out. I actually figured it out my self and asked for help, I was about 9-10 yrs old. I know I dealt with it for many years before just didn't have anyone to tell me that is what it was. My parents didn't want to medicate me either. Mainly because I was always on some pill or another being sick all the time. They took me to a counselor to talk it out. I actually went to about 3 or 4 before finding one that helped me. That seemed to help. Of course I relasped at age 16, age 21, age 24, and again present (with a few inbetween but not bad enough to seek help). I tried meds at the age 24 time but doctor jumped me from the start to a very high dose and I had a reaction. Now this round I found a doctor to start me low and move up slowly. I being concerned (being my history) took all 3 of my kids to counselors up until this past year when we moved. They all 3 have mild depression time to time and one has ADHD that has turned into ADD. None of them are medicated for any of it. I am a strong believer in counseling (if you can afford it). Find a good christain counselor - one that does "play therapy" for the younger age. I have found that the christain based counselors get thru to kids better then the others and tend to help more. Just a warning - I was judged by many of our family taking my kids to counselors. Even to the point that my own sister doesn't trust me with her kids - scared I'll take her kids to one. But I don't regret taking them - I learned alot about my kids during that time. They told the counselor things they won't tell me. Then I was able to help them more.
Good luck!!!

My goodness you deffinatly have a full plate of stress. I'm glad your depression is under control. Do you belive in Holistic medication? I went to 27 dr's who couldn't figure out what was wrong with my son. Each one did something different and each one said he had something new wrong with him. He threw up every day couldn't sleep and when he did he had horriable night terrors. He didn't gain any weight for two years and was only in the 7th percentile. That's when I went to a holistic (natural) dr. And he truly saved my sons life. We found out he was very alergic to Wheat, penuts and bananna's. Anyway I too suffer from sever depression and we just moved here. I was treating mine naturally and need to see a new dr. here. I came across this one who deals with pediatrics. Melanie Landers ND Phone # ###-###-####. Her office is in Austin on Burnett rd. I know it's a big leap of faith to go with a Natural dr. I really had a hard time going but I'm so greatful that I did. I hope this helps you.
Good luck with everything.

Yes, your sweet, smart girl has had entirely too much to handle and it's more than she knows how to deal with. I strongly suggest a psychological counselor who specializes in child play therapy. Both my stepson and my son greatly benefitted at different times in their growing up years from this type of interaction. It shouldn't take more than a few months of weekly sessions, and is well worth the time and expense. Don't delay -- get her help, and you will see a dramatic improvement.
JJ -- mother of 2 adult sons and two grandsons

Hello, my name is Leah and I am also a mom of three.(14,12,9) I also homeschool them. I have never had a child with depression,but I have come to realize that the more I do outside of my family the more I am unhappy and the more troubles my kids have relating with each other. When I read your entrance it seems that your family has had a really hard year. Your daughter may need to take a step back from school,and any outside things that are not something she enjoys. She is young and school "work" can wait awhile. I hope I haven't offended you in any way, but I also hope it helps. Leah

Hi T.,

My question to you is, what else could you expect from your little girl? These feelings sound normal to me since she has experienced so much stress and change in such a short period of time. She has experienced TRAUMA. There are five ways to begin healing from trauma. 1.Get her to breathe from her stomach-make a game of this. 2. Have her talk-talk-talk about her experiences. 3. Let her express herself through writing, drawing and other forms of art. 4. Expect some form of depression-this is normal. She has experienced trauma. 5. Let her express her emotions that are bottled up. My question to you is what is she doing with her emotions-burying them or expressing them outwardly or inwardly. 6. Safe touch.

These are my thoughts. You may want to do these things yourself. Pat

Depression and bi polar run in my family too. I know a great child psychologist, if you are in the Houston area let me know I will give you her number.

I was worried that my sons behavior was indicative of depression. Turns out that his IQ is through the roof and he is bored! He also may have mild ADD, but that seems to go hand in hand with a high IQ.

Anyway the Psychologist we saw was wonderful, I highly reccomend her. She is not quick to push medications!

I'm sure there are things you can try with out medication but if it is bi polar or some other form of serious depression caused by a chemical imbalance, medication may be the only thing that works. I'm just saying to keep and open mind just in case!

Good luck, and hand in there it won't last forever!

Go see Dr. Thomas Tong in Bryan, TX on William J. Bryan. He is an ND and uses hemotology to look at a persons blood right there in front of you. He will use herbs and not chemical meds to help your daughter. Sometimes depression is no more than a hormone imbalance and with the proper "prompts" it can learn to balance itself. If you give her chemical medication her body may just rely on it and actually shut down its own monitoring system causing a life long downward spiral. The name of his company is Nature's Things, you can find them on line.

How about taking her to a Psychologist or Psychiatrist? Maybe she needs help learning how to cope with the difficult things in life.

T.,
Consistent, daily use of a natural alternative will regulate serotonin and tryptophan levels and boost in a wide variety of important nutrients can increase your child's overall wellness and sense of well-being.
check out the science of this on www.pubmed.gov, the National Library of Medicines. enter xanthones or mangosteen ,
this juice has NO side effects, all natural.
www.mangosteenmd.com is another good site.
let me know if you would like more info.

thanks,
Oly

My child too had some of these symptons after I got divorced. I went to a play therapist which helped. His name is Dr. Joseph White and I believe he is in the Austin phone book. He is great with children.

Take her to play therapy!! It is great, my son has been going for almost 2 years (in Aug.) He had gotten over alot and was doing really great, the only thing is something happened and now we are trying to deal with that (not with the therapist, at home), so he did go backwards a little bit. But ultimatly all the do is let them work through their issues by playing with certain toys. Here is what they do they take them to a room that has all kinds of toys from barbies and dolls to gigos, trucks houses, plastic eggs, dress up, handcuffs, guns, little figureines, ect. I know that his therapist also has a sand box (not sure if all do or not, she has said some are not as big on it as others), i have found that it works, it is very calming and soothing for him, and even for my 18 month old. They also do art. It is only for an hour, however often they think she may need to go. Kids at all ages can have depression, they go through alot also, just about as much as we do, we may think they dont but they do, there is alot more pressure and stuff in school now then even when i was in school and i grad. in 2000, plus what is going on at home and many times we think they dont know but they pick up on every little thing they can feel the emotions off of you, that is my opinion. Anyway i would see about getting her into play therapy, it is very effective, and maybe you will find out about something else going on with her that even you didnt know about, i did and my son is only 3 1/2 and im a stay at home mom. Good Luck and i hope this helps you.