It definitely is common for kids to feel bad or sad about anything that they or others must have done and has hurt them. But, how about the sadness that is so long-lasting and causes extreme mood-swings? A thing to worry about. Isn’t it?
Although there are therapies and medications to cure childhood depression, the problem is many children grow up undiagnosed of it. Remember, it’s the parents who need to take full responsibility for their child’s mental health.
So, to help you with understanding your child’s mind set and thought process, we have gathered this information. Hope you will be able to make good use of this information.
- How to know if your child is depressed?
Following are certain symptoms to be watched out for:
- Eternal Sadness: Does your child seem sad or grouchy all the time? Has he become grumpier than earlier? Does he/she cry much more easily now? If the answer is yes, you got a talk to your child and figure out if they have been sad deeply or just due to a petty thing.
- Self-Criticalness: Children that are depressed may complain a lot more than usual. They could berate themselves by saying, “I can’t do anything correctly.” “I don’t not have friends,” or “It’s very difficult for me to accomplish this, therefore I can’t.”
- Lack Of Enthusiasm And Low Energy Levels: A kid’s energy might be drained by depression. They may not work as diligently at school as they used to do. Even simple things might seem like they need too much effort. Children may act worn out, give up easily, or not even attempt.
- Dullness In Nature: Children no longer love playing or hanging out with pals as much as they once did. They might not feel like engaging in activities they formerly enjoyed.
- Food and sleep patterns Change Significantly: Even if children receive enough sleep, they may not sleep well or appear exhausted. Some people might not be hungry. People may overeat.
- Regular Pains And Aches: Some kids may have discomfort, such as stomach-aches. Even when they are not sick, some people miss school because they are not feeling well.
- What should you do to help your child?
If you find your child to be depressed:
- Talk To Your Child More Often About Things That Are Going On: Talking always helps children vent their feelings out. This might be very useful as you might just come across or discover the actual reason that has hit your child so hard that it pushed them into depression.
- Plan A Visit With A Child Specialist: Depression is not just a mental state but also a disease. Hence, it would be better to have an appointment with a child specialist so that medication is needed to control a child’s impulsiveness.
- Be Patient With Your Kid: Try to maintain patience when dealing with a difficult or temperamental youngster. The best methods to react when your child behaves in this way should be discussed with your child’s therapist. Often, it is quite useful to connect with your child calmly before directing them toward better conduct. This allows youngsters to feel pleased of achieving better rather than feeling horrible about it.
- Have Fun Together: Do activities you both like while spending time with your child. Try playing a game, cooking, reading a book, creating a craft, or watch a humorous movie. If possible, spend some time outside. These things subtly promote happy feelings.
