Sophie Okolo, MPH

Stress And Depression 

It’s often assumed that stress and depression will only begin to impact older children. However, this is not true. Recent studies have emerged which suggest that depression can develop in kids as young as eight. Why is this and what’s going wrong? Experts believe that children are under far too much stress these days to perform, particularly in their school life. As such, you need to make sure that you are finding ways to reduce the stress that your kids are experiencing. You might also want to consider cognitive therapy if your child is already starting to show signs of depression. Common signs include low levels of energy or difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. 

The C Word

While it’s more likely for certain cancers to develop through the later years of your life there are some forms of cancer that can develop at any time and they can be quite harmful. That’s why you need to always monitor your child’s health carefully and note any changes. Do note that it’s been suggested countless cancer diagnoses have been missed during the lockdown and the coronavirus pandemic. However, doctors have stressed that if you notice a change, you should seek help without delay. Pediatricians are always willing to help concerned parents get the answers that they need. 

Hearing And Eyesight Trouble

Finally, you might find that there’s an issue with your child’s hearing or eyesight. It’s quite common for both to change particularly when children are still young. That’s why you should make sure that you are getting them checked out frequently. Be aware if there is an issue here, kids aren’t always going to be able to explain it to you in a clear way. As such, a test will always be the right choice. It’s also important to note that technology has advanced a great deal and there are some wonderful options for children who are having issues with both their hearing and eyesight.