Like adults, children can suffer from depression, in this case: childhood depression. It’s not uncommon and since children actually are the purest of humans, it might be safe to say if a child is depressed-and they actually tell you that-it’s a rather serious issue.
One of the most common misconceptions about childhood depression is, “What do children have to be depressed about?” Perhaps this reveals a few misunderstandings about childhood depression and what it is. It is indeed quite similar to clinical depression-borrowing from medical terminology and is not just down moods resulting from a child being ‘depressed’ cause they have just been punished or have been told they can’t have something. No, childhood depression is more intrusive into the child’s very existence, may be long-lasting and if not attended to, can be life threatening.
Another possible misconception about child depression might be related to our perception that, being a child is a care-free, hassle free stage of human life. Not necessarily, with peer acceptance, school and family expectations, it is sufficient to make a kid worry and might be a huge factor that when it comes to handling a situation of childhood depression.
Other Causes of Childhood Depression:
1. Genealogy of mental illness or suicide.
2. Abuse (physical, emotional or sexual).
3. Chronic diseases.
4. Loss of a parent at an early age to death, divorce or abandonment.
5. Improper diet and insufficient exercise.
6. Excessive exposure to negative factors for example parents fighting, bad neighborhoods, etc.
7. Inadequate parental attention.
Though this isn’t a definitive set of what can cause depression in children, these factors are the most typical ones.
Symptoms of Childhood Depression:
1. Loss of interest in hobbies and activities.
2. Sudden change in appetite.
3. Change in sleep patterns (either increase or decrease).
4. Difficulty focusing.
5. Making depreciating claims like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m stupid”
6. Despair or sadness.
7. Recurring ideas of suicide.
8. Too much attached or resigned.
If you notice any of these in your child’s behavior it may be time to seek help. But, keep in mind, the first step may be a good heart to heart talk with your child.
Reconnect with them. Make plans for a getaway saying things like, “How about you and I go to the park, just the two of us?” Now seize this time to carefully see what could be the problem.
Also, borrowing from Yoga concepts (Natural healing as well), now is a good time for you to evaluate your whole families diet. Don’t forget, “You are what you eat”. Diet plays, most likely the most vital role in one’s health, especially children in their growing stages so all efforts ought to be made to ‘pleasantly’ enforce a balanced diet. You may not need to work too hard, most kids LOVE bananas with other sweet fruits and fresh juices. Vegetables…maybe less, however, you get my gist. Try to substitute processed foods with more healthy ones.
Take some time to be there for your child or at least take heed to who they’re with the most. Remember children are wonderful imitators. If you yourself are actually depressed, I suggest drug-free alternatives, for instance Yoga and the previously mentioned pointed out proper diet. Also, look into fasting although short because this works wonders for restoring your emotional balance as a response of your body not being taxed with the responsibilities of digestion, assimilation and re-building. The mind clears and all sorts of moroseness vanish and as such, you are likely to find the solutions to the problems warranting remedy for depression to begin with. Bear in mind though this radical step is suited only for grown-ups not for children.
Dedicate thirty minutes or even more each day for outdoor activities for yourself and your family. Go to the zoo, active play, and swimming often relieve tension created in your home, school, and work and this can go a long way in helping in treating childhood depression in the family. Make the effort yourself to brighten up as much as possible as kids do mimic what their parents constantly do.
Finally, if you’re the spiritual type of person, try prayer power and introduce child to it. Hey, the Man did say: “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God”. In my opinion a young child connected to God is a sure method of avoiding childhood depression. (Of course, with factors formerly mentioned.)
Being a parent or just being a role model to a child is a duty that can be taxing sometimes, even more say when dealing with a depressed child. But with the suggestions given, if handled correctly, childhood depression does not need to be considered a thing your child has to go through.
If you want more tips about mental health visit our website about mental help where you will discover more resources that will benefit you.
