Depression is a medical condition that can negatively affect a child’s ability to connect with people. Children who are still learning to socialize and become confident may struggle throughout childhood if this remains unaddressed. It is a condition that drains their energy, hope, and drive, making it difficult for them to take the steps to feel better.
Proper diagnosis and treatment is an excellent start to providing the help they need. However, if you’re a parent who’s going through a rough patch for the first time, what do you need to do? Here are the things you should be ready for during the process and your role in their journey to get better.
1. Understanding the Symptoms
In adults, most expect a depressed mood nearly every day for two weeks. However, for kids, it may manifest as signs of irritability. They are likely to be sad, withdrawn, or bored most of the time. Instead of playing with other kids, they’re likely to skip on usual activities.
Try to check if your child gets enough sleep. Kids diagnosed with depression are likely to lose weight, feel hopeless or helpless, and feel exhausted most of the time. They can also have difficulty making decisions and have thoughts about death or suicide.
2. No Quick Treatment
Diagnosis is the easy part, but treatment is a different story. No two kids are the same, and helping every child involves some trial and error. As a parent, it’s essential to remain patient while identifying which solution can help your child. It’s your role to make sure they don’t feel alone in the process of healing.
Educating your child on what is happening is the first step. Explaining the situation helps your child understand the possible changes in them and reduce self-blame. It is also a great way to teach your child it’s normal to experience these imbalances in their body. Counseling may also help children struggling with depression.
Play therapy is the best option for younger kids, while cognitive behavioral therapy can be more efficient for older kids and teens.
3. Changes at Home
There is no quick fix for depression. It isn’t a condition that a band-aid can quickly resolve. It is essential to make home a place where they feel safe and understood. As a parent, it is your responsibility to encourage them to maintain a routine.
You can encourage them to do daily activities such as exercising, serving as your bonding moment. Make time to check on them, talk to them about their day, or simply ask how they have been doing. Let them know that you understand them and you’re here to help them.
4. Arrangements in School
Going through depression affects how a child learns in school. The disorder will likely impair their thinking and concentration, making it difficult for them to grasp new ideas. It’s essential to communicate with their teachers, school counselors, and even the principal about the possible adjustments that they can make for your child.
If they can allow your child to have extended time for exams, that would be great. Maybe your child’s teacher can also help with one-on-one study sessions to help the child understand the lessons better. Anything that can make studying a bit easier than usual should help the child perform better in school.
5. Changes in Children
It is common for children diagnosed with depression to be irritable and overwhelmed. They may even have outbursts from time to time. The symptoms may vary and can intensify depending on what they are feeling.
Conclusion
Children, unlike adults, change and develop at a faster rate, which may cause their depression to manifest in unexpected ways. As parents, we need to help them cope with their struggles. There are instances where children might seem fine today but end up in a depressive slump days later. You should be ready for whatever might happen.
Hope Seed Support Center is a counseling center in Houston that excels in children’s mental health struggles. We provide support in the community through mental health wellness. Schedule an appointment with our team of experts and let us help you along the way.
