It is generally thought that depression is a phenomenon that only affects adults, but this is not the case, even children can suffer from it. Depression can regularly interfere in a child's daily life. Often children are unaware of this disorder or are unable to explain it to an adult. If you think your child is suffering from depression, read on from Step 1 and find out what the symptoms are and what is the right way to talk to them.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Watch for emotional changes
Observe his emotional states, his mood swings. It is normal for children to have it sometimes, but if it occurs too often it could be a symptom of depression.
Step 1. Notice any prolonged manifestations of sadness and worry
Notice if he cries a lot, if he shows signs of despair, if he expresses bad mood, if he always appears nervous. If you have any doubts that your child is depressed, try to understand if he is experiencing tensions with a certain frequency. If he goes back to bedwetting, despite having long since passed that phase, it can indicate a sudden attachment to something, or someone, or a fear that is held inside.
Notice if he is unable to process the absence of something
Step 2. Notice if she utters words that express guilt or despair
If your child frequently says "it's my fault" or "it's useless" there are two possibilities, either it is a simple pre-adolescent rebellion, or it can be a hint of a more serious discomfort, linked to anxiety.
If the child feels a sense of despair, he will probably be under-motivated to concentrate on his studies and will show a general disinterest, even in the activity he was previously interested in. He will begin to feel guilt, even in circumstances where he is absolutely not responsible for it
Step 3. Notice if his anger and irritability escalate
Sometimes there are specific indicators for detecting childhood depression. See if the child overreacts, shows himself intractable, angry and frustrated even about insignificant things. If he gets offended easily, if he appears restless and very anxious. If he loses his ability to keep himself calm and composed.
It could be a symptom of an inability to accept criticism of any kind. Notice if your child is hypersensitive to any kind of rejection and does not accept any criticism, even if said in a very kind way. Problems arise if the child is unable to accept even constructive criticism
Step 4. See if he has lost interest in life's entertainment and joys
Try to check if your child is happy. If you haven't heard him laugh for days, if he shows disinterest even in his favorite entertainment, maybe there is a problem. Try to do something that will cheer him up. If the attempt fails, the child may suffer from depression.
Part 2 of 4: Notice his behavior changes
In addition to mood swings, a depressed child will show frequent changes in behavior. But it is good to remember that these fluctuations could also be caused by other factors, such as school problems.
Step 1. Notice if he complains often about pain
When a child is depressed, they can often start complaining about physical ailments, such as headaches or general aches not related to any particular illness. These pains often do not subside even after medical treatment.
Step 2. Observe his eating habits
Notice if there are any substantial changes in your appetite, if you eat too much or too little. If the child suffers from depression, he may show some disinterest in food, even his favorite dishes.
Step 3. Check out his social life
See if he tends to isolate himself from others. If your child is depressed, he may be trying to exclude himself from social life and try to avoid both friends and family in every way. Notice if he tries not to be in contact with anyone, and also if:
- He prefers to play alone rather than with other children
- He shows himself disinterested in having friends, whose presence is very important in childhood.
Step 4. Observe how and how much he sleeps
If there are any changes in your habits, if you have started sleeping too much, or if you have insomnia. Notice even if he complains of being tired all the time, dejected and feeling low on energy, as well as totally disinterested in all the activities that have entertained him in the past.
Part 3 of 4: Talk to your baby
Step 1. Be aware that children sometimes manage to mask the symptoms of depression
Children are not yet adept at communicating their feelings, and are unlikely to speak to a parent clearly stating that they are depressed. They may not be able to expose the problem because they don't recognize it.
Be aware of everything your child "doesn't tell you" and try to deal with it yourself. The child may feel uncomfortable, or ashamed to talk about his problems
Step 2. Listen to what your child will tell you, even if he cannot explain himself clearly, and try to understand what is happening
Devote some time to talk to him every day, usually children have a sincere and honest attitude, so even if he fails to tell you what he feels you will be able to get an idea of the problem. Give him your time and listen to what happens in his life.
Ask him how he feels at the end of each day. If you find that he is uncomfortable or sad, take some time to talk to him and ask him what causes him so much sadness
Step 3. Make your child feel comfortable talking to you
Labeling a child as "spiteful" or "difficult" can complicate his relationship with his parents. So avoid making him feel wrong all the time and encourage him to share his emotions with you.
Likewise, for educational purposes it is very important not to judge his problems and observations as stupid or trivial. If you downplay his obstacles in the future, the child may avoid talking to you about it
Step 4. Maintain good relationships with teachers and people who care for him
This way you will be able to receive comments and observations from them that you missed. Sometimes the behavior of children changes depending on the environment in which they find themselves.
For example, check with his teacher if you think your child is suffering from depression. Ask for a meeting and discuss his behavior together, especially if he has noticed something strange or if he is not doing well in class
Part 4 of 4: Move on to the next step
Step 1. Don't jump to conclusions right away
If you are experiencing the symptoms we have described, do not assume that your child is suffering from depression. If you start to convince yourself of this and tell the child it will only add to your, and his, tension. Keep calm and try to find the right way to help and take care of him.
Step 2. Seek medical advice
If you are worried, the best way to clarify your doubts is to hear the opinion of an expert and receive a precise diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to understand the problem and tell you how to fix it.
Step 3. If your child shows very pronounced signs of depression, take immediate action
If you have many of the behaviors listed above, if you talk about suicide, if you try to hurt yourself or others, it is important to consult a professional immediately, without wasting time. In extreme circumstances follow these procedures:
- Keep calm and don't panic.
- Always stay with your child, never leave him alone.
- Contact a doctor immediately, or if particularly urgent, go with him to the nearest hospital.
Advice
- Don't think you know all about depression just because you know an adult who is depressed. Symptoms and manifestations between adults and children can be very different.
- Children who have experienced a painful loss of stress, or who have always been subject to mood swings are more at risk of depression.
