Depression in children: A real and painful condition
by Alison Stanton
In books, television shows and movies, children are often portrayed as happy-golucky and cheerful characters with nary a care in the world. Although some adults may contend that kids in real life are also just as happy and carefree, Nicole Huggins, Psy.D., a clinical, forensic and school psychologist at Trilogy Integrated Psychological Services LLC, says this is not always the case.
What’s inside
“Depression can absolutely happen in kids, and it’s happening even more and more frequently now, due to the various stressors they have to contend with,” she says.
While parents may associate childhood depression with a sullen teenager who gets poor grades in school, Huggins says depression can start as early as infancy.
“If you look at infants who were born prematurely and spent a lot of time in the NICU separated from their caregivers, or if you look at traditional ‘orphanage babies,’ there are definitely cases where they have depression,” she says, adding that babies who leave the NICU tend to have a shorter duration of symptoms than infants and toddlers who reside in an orphanage.
Between the ages of 3 and 12, Huggins says children tend to have a lot of the same symptoms and causes of depression. These symptoms can also cross over into the teen years, she adds.
than a few weeks or months,” she says, adding that this is sometimes referred to as “watchful waiting” and can help parents determine if their child is having a “typical” reaction to a life event or if something more serious is going on.
“This is also important when determining what ‘typical’ moodiness is in teens due to puberty and hormonal changes, versus a more serious condition or problem. Most importantly, when the symptoms begin to interfere with their functioning, that is a very good indicator it is time to seek evaluation and/or treatment.“
As for the causes of depression in children, Huggins says it can be due to a chemical imbalance in the child and/or an outside stressor like a divorce, move, bullying, exposure to trauma, domestic violence or a loss of a loved one.
DEPRESSION AFFECTS KIDS, TOO:
“Children who have depression will often act out, break down and cry a lot, be very grumpy and sad, claim to be bored, lose pleasure from previously enjoyed activities, either be very fatigued or get excessive sleep and can have either weight gain or weight loss,” she says.
Dr. Nicole Huggins says children as young as infants can suffer from depression. Submitted photo
“They can also become very withdrawn, like when a kid who normally liked playing with his peers stops doing it.”
Another classic sign of depression in children is somatic complaints like headaches and stomachaches, Huggins says.
For teenagers, Huggins says depression can be a sign and/or a symptom of substance use. For example, while alcohol and other drugs can cause symptoms of depression, it’s also possible that the teenager was already feeling depressed and is using drugs to self-medicate.
In order for a child to be diagnosed with depression, Huggins says the signs and symptoms should be occurring at two or more settings, like both at home and in school.
One reason it is so important for parents and teachers to be aware of the various signs and symptoms of depression, Huggins says, is that it can be very difficult for young children to describe their feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
“The younger child is often less able to verbally describe what they are feeling, so it’s important for adults to be aware of any of these symptoms that are lasting longer
Parents who have depression are also more likely to have children who will develop the mood disorder at some point, Huggins says. No matter what causes a child to become depressed, Huggins says she wants parents to know that the condition does not know boundaries. In other words, she says, depression can happen to any child, regardless of his or her socio-economic status, gender, intellectual ability and lifestyle.
“Often times, gifted children experience what we call an ‘existential depression’ and it's important for that to not go unnoticed as it is just as serious,” she says.
If parents suspect that their child is depressed, Huggins says they should first take some time to observe the child and ask about his or her feelings.
“They should also speak with their child’s teacher and school counselor to see if they have observed anything and to share their concerns, and then if necessary, they can also seek treatment.”
Parents may also wish to have their child evaluated by a child psychologist, who can order different types of testing to assess depression. Huggins says it is also a good idea to take a child in for a medical checkup with a family practitioner or other health care provider to make sure there is not a medical reason for the depression, such as anemia or a thyroid condition.
“This may sound somewhat simplistic, but parents also should also make sure their children are getting enough physical exercise, and are getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet,” Huggins says.
“They should also tell their children that they love them, reassure them that things do pass and get better and allow them to express their feelings.”
If their child does not improve, Huggins says play therapy groups for young children can be very effective, as are social skills groups for teenagers. Individual and/or family sessions may also be necessary and can be very beneficial, she adds.
“If the condition goes untreated it only prolongs the duration of the disorder and can lead to other very serious problems and issues including family relational problems, poor school performance and physical illness,” Huggins says.
Children who do not get better may also need medication, she says.
“But if this does happen, parents need to watch very closely for a suicidal component, such as children suddenly saying they feel better and then giving away their things.”
No matter how old the child is or the reason for their depression, Huggins stresses that it is definitely a very real mood disorder that should be taken seriously by adults.
“Depression is not just reserved for adults. Children who have experienced a traumatic or stressful life can definitely become depressed, and to not take it seriously will only make the situation worse.”
Trilogy Integrated Psychological Services LLC is located at 4135 S. Power Rd., Suite 125, in Mesa. For information call 480-813-3990 or visit trilogypsychological.com.
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.
Resources
Books:
• “My Feeling Better Workbook: Help for Kids Who Are Sad and Depressed,” by Sara Hamil, LCSW
• “The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety and Worry,” by Lisa M. Schab, LCSW
• “The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience,” by Martin E. P. Seligman
Websites:
• kidshealth.org
• mentalhealthamerica.net
• NAMI.org
• NIMH.nih.gov
• suicidepreventionlifeline.org
6, 7, 13, 14
“My Little Pony Equestria Girls,” 10 a.m. UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. The 72-minute, G-rated film by Hasbro Studios, in conjunction with Shout Factory Kid, is a brand new full-length feature introducing an exciting new dimension to the incredibly popular My Little Pony brand. When a crown is stolen from the Crystal Empire, Twilight Sparkle pursues the thief into an alternate world where she transforms into a teenage girl who must survive her biggest challenge yet—high school. With help from her new friends who remind her of Ponyville’s Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, she embarks upon a quest to find the crown and change the destiny of these two parallel worlds. Movie tickets $5. 16000 Maricopa Rd. Maricopa UltraStarMovies.com, ultrastarakchin.com, MLPEG.com.
6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14
Family Summer Camp, noon-5 p.m. Bass Pro Shop. Free family activities such as BB shooting range, shooting arcade, casting challenge and carousel rides; free homemade ice cream from 5-6 p.m. on Saturdays only, while supplies last; crafts such as a creating popsicle stick fish and painting a deer track; and workshops in archery, bird watching, backyard adventures, fishing, camping, wildlife exploration, exploring shooting and hunting, water safety and outdoor discovery and conservation. 1133 N. Dobson Rd., Mesa. 602-606-5600, basspro.com.
$25 per child; $15 for additional children per family. Reservations required. Birthday parties and private group parties also available. 758 Kingbird Dr., Chandler. 603-234-0267, equinegirlaz@gmail.com.
7, 14, 21, 28
Free Museum Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Heard Museum. Enjoy free museum admission each Sunday in July, sponsored by Target. There will be special music and dancing performances on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. and artist demonstrations on basket weaving, beading and more will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can try their hand at different art forms and learn directly from artists. Throughout the day, guided tours will be offered with scavenger hunts and prizes. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-8848, heard.org.
Library. Tyler Severance is ranked No. 4 in the United States as a yo-yo Master. He will provide the yo-yos and have extras for sale at every class; cash only. This program is for every level of experience. Ages 6-18 years old. Free. 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
8, 9, 15, 16, 23, 29, 30 Wiggle Worms, 10:30-11 a.m. Perry Branch Library. Tots have fun with flannel board rhymes, songs, shakers, bubbles, parachute play and age-appropriate books. Ages 18 months-3 1/2 years with a parent. Free. Registration required. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
9
10, 17
Movie Matinee, 3-5 p.m. Downtown Library. Kids ages 3-18 years can watch Disney's “Finding Nemo” on the 10th and “Robin Hood” on the 17th, while enjoying free popcorn. Free. 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
11
Zoo to You, 10:30 a.m.12:45 p.m. Sunset Library.
11, 18, 25
Pre-K Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. Perry Branch Library. Preschoolers have fun with flannel board rhymes, dancing, songs, shakers, bubbles, parachute play and age-appropriate books. Ages 3-5 with a parent. Free. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 Water Playdate with Horses, 7:45-10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 3:15-5:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Harmony Heart Ranch. Brush, paint and then wash the horses, followed by a horse craft to take home. Focus is on horse safety, staying cool and having fun. Children should wear clothing and shoes appropriate to get wet and muddy. Best for ages 6 and older.
8 LEGO Kit Club, 4-5 p.m.
Basha Library. The library supplies a variety of skill level kits for kids to put together during this hour of fun. Ages 5-12. No registration needed. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.
Science
Exploratorium, 12:302:30 p.m. Sunset Library. Join Mr. Micah in an explosive science series this summer. Learn how to create a number of activities with household materials from bursting dry ice bubbles to soda bottle rockets and much more. Basic science concepts and terms will be discussed while learning how to create safe and exciting experiments. Parental attendance is required for this program. Ages 3-8 years old. Free. 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
8, 15
Dinosaurs Exposed, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Southeast Regional Library. Learn about dinosaurs and the history of paleontology through a whimsical and entertaining story. Kirby Soderberg's one-man performance includes real dinosaur fossils, audience participation and plenty of clowning around. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
Children ages 3-8 experience an animal encounter with creatures from The Phoenix Zoo. Registration required. Tickets available at the Information Desk. Best for ages 5 and older. Free. 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
9, 16
Tuesday Crafternoons, 2-4 p.m. Downtown Chandler Library. Ages 6-11 years old can make crafts to take home and enjoy summer craft fun with a different theme each week. Free. 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
10, 31
Yo-yo Class with Tyler Severance, 6-7:30 p.m. Hamilton
Rhythm & Rhyme, 11:30 a.m.-noon. Sunset Library. Join Mr. Micah for an exciting program filled with music, singing, dancing, rhyming and instrument playing. Ages newborn-5 years. Free. 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
Amazing Anime Hats, 2-3 p.m. Sunset Library. Innominata Creations shows teens how to make fun and funky felt beanies inspired by favorite anime. Teens ages 12-18 years old. Online registration required. Free. 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
American Bald Eagle, 2-3 p.m. Downtown Library. Arizona Game and Fish Department and Liberty Wildlife team up to provide an informational program about the life of an American Eagle with a live American Eagle showing off her beauty. Ages 3-11 years old. Free. 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
LEGO Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Downtown Library. Come meet new friends and have fun building with LEGO. Ages 6-12. No registration required. Free. 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
11, 18, 25 Family Story Time, 6 p.m. Perry Branch Library. Enjoy stories, songs and finger plays for the whole family. Free. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
12 Ronald McDonald Magic Show, 2-3 p.m. Basha Library. Kids ages 3-11 years can enjoy fun and magic tricks for the whole family with Ronald McDonald. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.
Dig into Reading Book
Discussion, 2-4 p.m. Hamilton Library. A brand new book club for kids in grades 3 through 5. For the first meeting, kids should bring some of their favorite books to tell others about them. Ages 9-11 years. Free. 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
12, 13, 14
LEGO KidsFest, 4-8:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. University of Phoenix Stadium. Giant LEGO expo with family fun, games and challenges; LEGO build, race and play tables; meet master model builders; giant group builds; LEGO Model Museum; LEGO Club and Master Builder Academy; Duplo and LEGO construction zones; Creation Nation Group Build and more. One Cardinals Dr., Glendale. LEGOkidsfest.com.
See Calendar, Page 4
Calendar, From Page 3
13
Doggy Storytime, 10-10:30 a.m., 10:30-11 a.m. Downtown Library. Join a special story time with dogs where everyone can enjoy stories, songs and fun. Ages 3-11 years. Free. 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
15
Dig Into Archaeology, 3-5 p.m. Basha Library. The Chandler Museum presents family friendly activities where kids can learn how to make Native American designs in clay, take the pieces of a broken pot and try to put it back together and examine actual pot shards found in and around Chandler. Ages 3-8 years. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.
17
Day at the Beach, 8-10 p.m. Folley Pool. Family fun includes relay races with inner tubes, water balloon contests and prizes. 600 E. Fairview, Chandler. chandleraz.gov/ aquatics.
LEGO Club, 6-7 p.m. Hamilton Library. Come meet
new friends and have fun building with LEGO supplied by the library. Ages 6-12. Free. No registration required. 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-782-2828, chandlerlibrary.org.
18
Arizona Rick Magical Balloon Making Cowboy, 10-10:55 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. Hamilton Library. Classical story telling by Arizona Rick, with the kids as the actors and the most fantastic balloon creations! Registration required; register for only one of performance. All ages. Free. 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
Disco after Dark, 8-10 p.m. Arrowhead Pool, Swim at night, play games and win prizes. 1475 W. Erie St., Chandler. chandleraz.gov/aquatics.
Summer Reading Finale: Library Campout, 2-4 p.m. Downtown Library. Kids ages 3-11 years can join the Downtown Library Youth Staff for a fun “campout”at the library, with stories, camp songs around a “campfire,” snacks and a special visit from a local scout troop. Free. 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
19
Sea Bubble Plate, 9–10:30 a.m. As You Wish.
Ages 5 and older create a bubbling under the sea atmosphere by actually painting with bubbles. Basic pottery painting techniques will be taught. Locations: Crossroads Towne Center in Chandler, 480-899-1231; Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace, 480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.
23, 30
Anime Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Basha Library. Teens explore Japanese culture, anime and manga. Age 12-18. No registration needed. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.
24
favorite movie monsters. Basic glass fusing techniques will be taught. Ages 10 and older. Locations: Crossroads Towne Center in Chandler, 480-899-1231; Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace, 480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.
Sea Life Coaster Set, 7-9 p.m.
As You Wish. Ages 10 and older create a set of four glass coasters with sea life designs. Basic glass fusing techniques will be taught, along with four different designs or kids can create their own. Locations: Crossroads Towne Center in Chandler, 480-899-1231; Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace, 480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.
20 Splash Mob 5K, 7 a.m. Big Surf Water Park. Third annual Splash Mob 5K Fun Run & Walk benefits Children
First Academy, a local nonprofit school dedicated to helping homeless children. During the run/walk, volunteers and children from the school will line the event course and
keep the participants cool by using Super Soakers and water balloons to splash the participants. Each participant will also bring two items of nonperishable healthy snacks for Children First Academy. All proceeds and donations will go to the school. $40 registration. 1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe. splashmob5k.com.
22 LEGO Club, 4-5 p.m. Basha Library. Library supplies the LEGO, kids supply the imagination. Ages 5-12. No registration needed. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.
Afternoon Crafts, 2-3 p.m. Hamilton Library. The last craft of the summer will be a beachy good time appropriate for ages 5-10. Registration required. Free. 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
Family Funcrafting, 11:30 a.m.12:15 p.m. Sunset Library. Join Mr. Micah for a story, song and craft. Ages newborn-5 years. No registration required. Free. 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org.
26
Gorilla Plate, 9-10:30 a.m. As You Wish. Ages 5 and older paint a gorilla king plate. Basic pottery painting techniques will be taught. Locations: Crossroads Towne Center in Chandler, 480-899-1231; Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace, 480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.
Monster Magnets, 7-9 p.m. As You Wish. Create a set of glass monster magnets to resemble your
27 Summer Palooza, noon-3 p.m. Desert Oasis Aquatic Center. Celebrate the end of summer with fun activities. 1400 W. Summit Pl., Chandler. chandleraz.gov/aquatics.
Juggling Workshop with James Reid, 10-11 a.m. Ed Robson Branch Library. A short performance targeted to teens followed by a juggling workshop for up to 40 participants. New studies show that juggling increases not only grey, but also white matter in the brain. Juggling also improves the reading skill of tracking across the midline, increases focus and has been shown to reduce anxiety. James Reid shows participants that juggling is really easier than it looks. Free. 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.
Carebear Preschool
Now Registering For Fall
• Classes to Meet all Schedules
• Huge State-of-the-art Playground and Splash Pad at Fulton
• Amazing Athletes and Music Class included at Riggs
• Academic Work Stations
• Music Movement Magination
• Creative Play
• Cutting Edge Curriculum Aligns With Arizona Common Core Standards
• Scholastic Monthly Readers
• Handwriting Without Tears
• Phonics & Whole Language Instruction
• Spanish
• Interactive Promethean Board Activities
• Character Education
• Organized programs for boys and girls ages 4-14
• Focused on fun, inclusivity, good sportsmanship and safe play
• All instructors background checked and certified
• We place CHARACTER development and TEAM play over winning at all costs
• All skill levels. No try outs!
Just4Kids
Chandler Recreation Offers A Variety of Summer Activities!
This month’s Just4Kids Page is sponsored by:
The City of Chandler Recreation Division
Dig into Archaeology
Basha Library: July 15, 3 - 5 p.m. Hamilton Library: July 19, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Dig into Archaeology using the tools archaeologists use and doing the activities archaeologists do! The Chandler Museum presents family friendly activities at the Chandler Libraries. Make Native American designs in clay, piece together a pot, and see actual pot shards found in and around Chandler.
July Parent & Toddler Activities
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., the Tumbleweed Recreation Center (745 E. Germann Rd) host “Tumble Tots” indoor activities designed for children five years of age and under to play under parental or guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area provides a variety of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. Fee included in all TRC family passes. There is a $2 fee ($3 nonresident) per child. Call 480-782-2900 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweed for more information.
Stay Connected!
Register for Summer Classes!
The Summer Break Time magazine outlining all-ages recreation classes, youth camps and special events for June, July and August is available at libraries and recreation centers and at www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime. Registration is now open for residents and nonresidents. For more information, call 480-782-2727. The fall issue of Break Time will be available to the public beginning July 19.
$1 Family Swim at Chandler Aquatic Facilities
Looking for some family fun time? Each facility offers a $1 family swim time when admission for the entire family is only $1. It’s a great chance to get the family together for some fun in the sun without breaking the bank. May 30July 21: Arrowhead Pool: Tuesdays 8 - 10 p.m., Folley Pool: Mondays 8 - 10 p.m., Hamilton Aquatic Center: Thursdays 6 - 8 p.m., and Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center: Sundays Noon - 2 p.m. May 28 - August 6: Desert Oasis Aquatic Center: Saturdays 4-6 p.m., and Nozomi Aquatic Center: Wednesdays 6-8 p.m.
Teen Summer Adventure
Dave & Busters: July 11, 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Want to have a fun summer experience but not be committed to a full day of an indoor camp? We’ve got just the ticket! Join us for our awesome Teen Summer Adventure trips. Make sure to sign up at least one-week before so we can get the best group rate! These trips are for teens entering 6th - 9th grades. There is a $29 fee ($34 for nonresidents). Fee includes transportation to and from the Community Center as well as admission to Dave & Busters. Contact Manny Padia at 480-782-2746 for more information.
Child and Babysitting Safety Class plus CPR/AED Certification
July 16 - 17
This 2 day course at Snedigar Recreation Center (4500 S. Basha Rd.) provides students with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for infants and school age children. Learn how to respond to emergencies and illness with first aid, rescue breathing, CPR and other appropriate care along with all of the babysitting basics. Students will receive a Babysitters Certification card which does not expire and a CPR/AED certification card good for 2 years. There is a $86 fee ($91 for nonresident). Contact Susan Richardson at 480-782-2641 for more information.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @ChandlerRec, and on Facebook and YouTube at Chandler Recreation for the latest news. Check out the July / August issue of “Come Out & Play, Chandler!” on YouTube. This episode features the Chandler Libraries. You can sign up for the Chandler Recreation monthly newsletter at www.chandleraz.gov/listserv.html. For more information, call 480-782-2727.
