In the traditional season of good cheer when gift giving and Christmas dinners are expected to be a main feature among many families, yesterday's Gleaner story about the high percentage of depressed children in Jamaica is a stark reminder that all is not well at Yuletide.

It was reported that Dr Lowe-De La Haye and Dr Garth Lipps have found that 10 per cent of Jamaican children aged 14 to 16 years old suffer from depression, 60 per cent of them boys. According to Dr De La Haye, a number of children she has seen at the University Hospital of the West Indies have attempted to self-medicate through drugs, and most have come to the facility because of other problems, mainly conduct disorder.

In all probability, there must be a significant number of children who never get to a medical facility for conduct disorder or sexual abuse, another issue raised by Lowe-De La Haye; and even if they do, depression might not be diagnosed. This only serves to magnify the extent of the problem.

We are sure that there are any continuing number of social ills which lead to depression in children, among them violence and broken families. Despite the best of intentions, however, the attempts to bring 'special cheer' at Christmas also have their dangers. As was reported in the story, unlike adults, depressed children can still enjoy pleasurable things and hence will seem to be happy with the presents and treats but still remain depressed.

Extreme happiness

And this is compounded by what Lowe-De La Haye said are "anniversary issues or family problems that are pronounced around Christmas time".

So what we have for a significant proportion of Jamaican children is the façade of extreme happiness at a time when sad memories are accentuated, with the possibility of fewer restrictions and increased access to 'self-medication' as adults let their hair down.

That is an explosive combination.

It is up to the adults, then, to observe carefully the children directly in their care and, even those in their extended family or wider community, to look out for signs of depression. Seeing that it is something that will most likely affect them as they grow older, it is critical that the warning signs be identified and the condition addressed as early as possible.

After all, they are closest to the situation and know the children's history and what would be likely to trigger their depression.

We suggest that this level of caring is a much better and certainly a longer lasting gift than any of the trinkets, cheap or expensive, which tend to end up in children's hands at this time of year.

And we believe that it would make for, in the long run, less socially disruptive behaviour and a more meaningful and extended season of good cheer.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.