Guard children against depression, parents told

by Ananda Kannangara

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) cautioned parents and school teachers to pay more attention to children who could suffer from depression and mental disorders.

The NIMH is of the view that parents should guard their children against problems they may face in society, school or at home and also from involving them in family disputes, since such problems could lead children, especially teenagers, to suffer from depression.

It is reported that the bad behaviour of fathers after consuming alcohol and parents, especially mothers leaving their children at home for overseas employment are some of the main reasons that cause depression in children.

Depression is a medical condition in which a person often feels sad and anxious and also suffers from physical symptoms such as inability to sleep, unusual behaviour, lack of appetite, losing interest in extra-curricular, educational and sports activities and not attending to school or home work efficiently.

Quoting statistics, Director, Consultant Psychiatrist, NIMH, Dr. Jayan Mendis told the Sunday Observer that in addition to 30 percent of elderly people in the country, nearly 18 percent of children of school-going age also suffer from depression and other mental disorders.

He cautioned parents that it was their school teachers' duty to be more vigilant on the behaviour of their children.

The NIMH statistics further reveal that one out of five children in the country suffers from depression due to problems they undergo at homes, in schools or in society.

Dr. Mendis said at least one child with depression is admitted to the NIMH every week for treatment and such a situation could be overcome not only with treatment, but also by keeping them away from problems.