A new study by researchers at the University at Buffalo (UB) has shown that depressed children with asthma have nearly twice the incidence of depression compared to their peers without asthma, and studies have shown that depression is associated with increased asthma symptoms and, in some cases, death. This sounds pretty frightening and well it should. There are a large number of children who struggle with asthma and severe allergies all their lives. Depression can lead to increased constriction of airways, shallow breathing and a variety of physical aches and pains. There is some speculation that treatment for depression can decrease the incidence of asthma and emphasizes the importance of screening children with chronic childhood issues, like asthma, for depression at their well child check-ups. Children rely upon the ability of their care takers to provide them the best care possible. Holding preconceived prejudices about mental illness places thousands of children at risk needlessly. There is no reason children need to be medicated, but every child deserves a chance to be treated effectively for depression, anxiety and psychosis. The only option they have is to get identified and treated early to avoid long stays in homeless shelters, mental health institutions and eventually jails.
for more information about mental health please visit Mental Health America (MHA) or the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).
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