Recognize the signs of depression in children and tips to help them.
All children have experienced feelings of sadness or depression. This is very normal in the process of growth and development. However, this emotional condition can become a problem if it is felt intensely and for a long time, especially if it affects the child’s life, from the social environment, family, to school.
Anyone who is experiencing depression will generally have difficulty feeling optimistic. The good news is that depression can be treated, and there are things parents can do to make their children feel more comfortable.
What is depression?
Depression is a form of mental health condition experienced by many people and often appears together with anxiety.
Depression can be mild and temporary, or severe and prolonged. There are people who experience depression only once in their life; there are also those who experience it many times.
Depression can lead to suicide, but this can be prevented with the right support. It is important to know that there are many things that can be done to help young people who have the urge to take these actions.
What causes depression?
Depression can occur as a reaction to an event, for example abuse, violence at school, death of someone close to you, or family problems such as domestic violence or parental separation. A person can experience depression after feeling stressed for a long time. Depression can also run in families. Apart from that, there are times when we don’t know why depression occurs.
Depression in children and adolescents
Depression in children and adolescents can appear in the form of long-lasting unhappiness or irritability. This is quite common in pre-teens and teenagers, but often goes unrecognized.
For some children, these feelings are expressed as “unhappy” or “sad.” There are also those who admit they want to hurt themselves, even end their lives. Children and teenagers who are depressed are more at risk of hurting themselves, so statements like this must always be taken seriously.
A child who looks sad is not necessarily depressed. However, if the sadness persists or interferes with social activities, makes the child lose interest, hinders performance at school, or interferes with relationships with family, this could mean the child needs support from mental health professionals.
Remember, only a healthcare professional can diagnose depression, so don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for advice if you are worried about your child’s condition.
Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression can feel different for each child. The following are common signs and symptoms:
Physical symptoms:
Tired or no energy, even after resting
Restlessness or difficulty concentrating
Difficulty carrying out daily activities
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Pain or soreness that appears for no particular reason
Emotional and mental symptoms:
Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability
Loss of interest in socializing and doing activities you usually enjoy
Withdrawing from others and feeling lonely
Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
Taking risky actions that are not usually done
Self-harm or thoughts of ending your life
If your child experiences one or more of the symptoms above, it does not necessarily mean he is depressed. However, there are ways you can help your child deal with his feelings. If you are worried, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.
Help your child deal with his condition
Here are some things parents can do to help children who are suspected of experiencing depression:
Invite children to chat casually about their condition:
Ask your child’s feelings and listen to the answer in an open manner, without judging or lecturing. Parents can also ask trusted people who know their child, such as teachers or friends, to see if they have noticed any signs worth paying attention to, or changes in their child. Special attention to children’s welfare needs to be given at important times in life, for example starting a new school or puberty.
Spend time with children
Create an environment that is warm, calming, and conducive to discussing or doing activities that your child likes and that are age appropriate. Show that you are interested in knowing what your child is going through in their life, their day at school, or the things they like about their friends.
Build healthy habits
Encourage children to do activities they enjoy, create a regular eating and sleeping schedule, and engage in physical activity. The latter is important for creating a more positive mood. Music can also have a big influence on a person’s mood, so try listening to songs together, look for songs that have positive messages about life.
Give children the opportunity to express themselves
Let the child talk and listen to his feelings. Never force a child to tell a story; You can use creative ways to encourage him to express his feelings, such as painting, making crafts, or writing a diary. For some children, keeping a diary about their feelings not only helps them express their emotions, but also learns what makes them upset or sad. A diary can also remind children of the good things in their lives and things they can be proud of.
Protect children from stressful environments or situations
Try to prevent children from being in situations that can cause excessive stress, including situations where they have the potential to receive inappropriate treatment or violence. Always remember to model healthy behavior and reactions to stress in your own life, including setting boundaries and getting into the habit of positive self-care.
When is professional assistance needed?
Considering that depression can only be diagnosed by qualified experts in their field, it is important for parents to ask for help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. If, according to an expert assessment, the child needs treatment, treatment options may include consultation so that the child learns to manage his thoughts and feelings, or a combination of consultation therapy and medication.
If your child wants to or has already hurt himself, immediately ask for help from a health professional. Don’t delay in contacting them if you have any concerns.
Depression can be overcome. The earlier you consult with a specialist, the sooner your child will feel better.
