Childhood Depression – How to Deal With It

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 false impression about child depression can be associated to our perception that, as being a child is really a care-free, trouble free stage of human life. Not at all times, with peer acceptance, school and family expectations, it will make a kid worry and could be a huge factor to take into account about dealing with a case of childhood depression.

Other Factors for Childhood Depression:

1. Family history of mental illness or suicide.
2. Abuse (physical, emotional or sexual).
3. Chronic illnesses.
4. Loss of a parent at an early age to death, divorce or abandonment.
5. Improper diet and lack of sufficient exercise.
6. Excessive exposure to negative factors such as parents arguing, bad neighborhoods, etc.
7. Insufficient parental attention.

Though this isn’t a definitive set of what can cause depression in children, these factors are the most typical ones.

Signs and symptoms of Childhood Depression:

1. Lack of interest on hobbies and activities.
2. Sharp change in appetite.
3. Change in sleep designs (either increase or decrease).
4. Difficulty focusing.
5. Making depreciating claims like “I’m bad enough” or “I’m stupid”
6. Despair or sadness.
7. Recurring ideas of suicide.
8. An excessive amount of attached or resigned.

If you have observed these in your child’s behavior it may be the perfect time to seek help. But, keep in mind, the initial step may be a good heart to heart talk with your child.

Reconnect with them. Make plans for a vacation saying things such as “How about we go to the park, just you and I?”. Now take this time to gently get to the point of the problem.

Also, borrowing from Yoga concepts (a Natural healing as well), now is a great time to evaluate your entire family’s eating habits. Remember, “You are what you eat”. Diet plays, possibly the most significant role in one’s health, especially children in their growing stages so all efforts needs to be made to ‘pleasantly’ enforce a healthy diet. You may not have to work too much, most kids LOVE bananas and with other sweet fruits and fresh juices. Vegetables…may be a different story; however, you get the gist. Try to substitute processed foods with more healthy ones.

Take time out to be there for your child or at least be conscious of who he or she is spending the most time with. Remember children are wonderful imitators. If you yourself happen to be depressed, I recommend drug-free alternatives such as Yoga, and the previously mentioned proper eating. Also, look into fasting albeit it short as this works wonders for restoring your emotional balance as result of the body not being taxed with the duties of digestion, assimilation and re-building. Your mind clears and all moroseness disappears and consequently, you tend to find the answers to the problems warranting a treatment for depression in the first place. Keep in mind though; this radical step is suited only for adults not necessarily for kids.

Dedicate at least half an hour or maybe more every day for outdoor activities for yourself and your family. Go to the zoo, active play, and swimming usually relieve tension created at home, school, and work and this may go a long way in helping to deal with childhood depression in the family. Make the effort yourself to relax 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.)

Parenting or being a role model to a child is a duty that may be taxing at times, even more say when dealing with a depressed child. However with the suggestions given, if tackled properly, childhood depression need not be a thing your kid has to go through.

Find our more about mental health by visiting our website about mental help. We have provide a large resource of information to help you.