Childhood Depression and Its Treatment
It is natural for children, like adults, to experience emotional ups and downs. Depression can affect people of any age, including children. Although children naturally have mood swings as they grow and develop, depression is different. The disorder can affect how children interact with friends and family. It may prevent them from enjoying school, sports, hobbies, or other normal childhood activities.
If a child is depressed, parents may notice some of these signs:
- Sad or bad mood. They may have more tantrums than before.
- Being self-critical. They may say self-critical things like, “I can’t do anything right.” “I don’t have any friends.” “I can’t do this.” “It’s too hard for me.”
- Lack of energy and effort. Depression can drain a child’s energy. They might put less effort into school than before. Even doing little tasks can feel like too much effort. Kids may seem tired, give up easily, or not try.
- Not enjoying things, sleep and eating changes. Kids may not sleep well or seem tired even if they get enough sleep. Some may not feel like eating. Others may overeat.
- Aches and pains. Some children may have stomach aches or other pains. Some miss school days because of not feeling well, even though they are not sick.
Treatment options for children with depression are like those for adults. The child can take counselling by meeting a psychotherapist/counsellor and/or visit to a psychiatrist who can help the child with medications. Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for children with depression, it involves much more than a child and psychotherapist sitting in a room talking. Common psychotherapy formats can include individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
Parents can help in many ways too, such as:
- Help the child practice skills they learned in therapy
- Show affection verbally and convey gratitude towards their child’s achievements and strengths.
- Ask about the good things that happen during the day as well as listen to the child’s difficulties and struggles.
” I Believe in Leading by Example”
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