Have you ever wondered if your child is depressed? There is a myth that children cannot be depressed or professional want to put another label on it rather than depression, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD, and even sometimes attachment disorder. Depression can be long standing or it can be a direct result of life circumstances, such as a loss, major transition or even hormones. Identity formation related to adoption in also linked to depression. Many adopted youth have a genetic predisposition to depression. I think it is important that we all think depression when we see a change in our children or adolescent behaviors. Talk to your health care provider and review the resources below.
It is not uncommon for parents with a depressed child to feel frustrated and completely out of control. We all want our kids to be successful in life and to be fulfilled. When you watch your child suffer with depression it breaks your heart. There are many things you can do, as a parent, to help your child with their depression and to even prevent or decrease the length your child may need intervention. The following are some things you can do to help:
Things you can do
·
Listen-be available to allow your child to talk, without judgment. Listen to what they are not saying. Be available.
·
Praise-provide positive feedback. Their
negative self-talk is enough. You do not
need to contribute to their decreased self-esteem.
·
Laugh with them-find things to laugh about.
Laughter can heal many wounds.
·
Hug/Snuggle with them-human contact is a great way to feel present and
connected. Even if your child won’t let you
snuggle or hug. Try to let your
foot rest on theirs while watching television.
Find a way to make sure they have physical connection. We all need human touch.
·
Provide a
predictable Routine it can help a child
navigate the world. Having a predictable
home life can balance outside stressors and internal turmoil.
·
Exercise-your body is filled with natural hormones that can help balance a
person’s mood. Exercise is a great way
to access these. Plus, exercise has been shown to increase a person’s
self-image.
·
Drink water. Dehydration has been found to
alter body chemistry and can intensify feelings of being out of sort or feeling
sick.
·
Eat a
balanced diet. Good nutrition can go a long way. Decrease the sweets, caffeine and other
artificial products that have been shown to alter a person’s mood. Whole grains, vegetables and natural sugars in
fruits can make a huge difference. Iron
can effect a child’s mood-low iron can lead to anemia which can look like
depression.
·
Relaxation/Breathe
together—help your child learn how to calm their body
through meditation, prayer, and/or deep breathing. Check out: Top Ten Relaxation Tips for Kids http://stress.lovetoknow.com/Top_Ten_Relaxation_Techniques_Children
·
Decrease
Stress. A
calm home life can go a long way for kids.
Try not to disagree or argue in front of the kids. Keep a calm voice when correcting behavior or
when frustrated or angry. What not only
what you say, but how you say it. It
really can have a huge impact.
Depression is complicated and hard to diagnosis. The following is a list of symptoms of depression for you to assess whether or not you might need to seek additional supports for your child. Both medication and therapy have been found to be beneficial for children and adolescents with depression.
Adolescent and Childhood Depression Symptoms
Adapted from information for Psyche Central, Anxiety and Depression in Children, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the National Institute on Mental Illness.
·
Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying,
emptiness feeling
·
Feelings of hopelessness and apathy
·
Decreased interest in activities; or
inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
· Persistent boredom; low energy
· Low self-esteem and guilt
· Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
· Mood Swings: Increased
irritability, anger, or hostility
· Difficulty with relationships, withdrawing from friends and peer
interaction, not easy to engage
· Frequent complaints of physical discomforts or illness, such as headaches
and stomachaches
· Frequent absences from school, refusal to go to school, increase trouble
at school, or poor performance
· Poor concentration
·
Change in eating patterns
· Sleep Issues: insomnia, early morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping
· Talk of or efforts to run away from home
· Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior
· Alcohol and Drug Abuse
· Self-Injury
What are the treatments for children and teens with depression?
Directly copied for the National Alliance on Mental
Illness depression in children and teens website.
Studies have shown both therapy
and medication to be useful in treating children and teens who are depressed.
However, all treatment options have risks and benefits. The best strategy is to
educate yourself about the choices, share decisions with your child or teen and
evaluate choices. Psychosocial treatments. Psychosocial treatments include individual therapies, psychoeducation, self-help and support groups and are helpful in providing guidance, support and education to children and adolescents living with depression and their families. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which concentrates on changing the negative attributional bias (seeing every cup as half-empty) associated with major depression, has been very effective in treating depression. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is also effective and focuses on a patient's self-concept and relationships with peers and family.
Psychoeducation. Psychoeducation and family psychoeducation have also proven to be beneficial for children 8 to12 years old with depression. The NAMI Basics education program is an example of psychoeducation designed for children and families. The program focuses on strengthening, supporting and empowering caregivers.
Medications. Medications can be an effective treatment option for child and adolescent depression, but it also carries risks. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the only antidepressant specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression in children ages 8 and older. Doctors can prescribe other antidepressant medications “off label” (not specifically approved by the FDA for the condition). If a doctor suggests another medication, it is a good idea to ask more questions.
How long a young person needs treatment is determined by the improvement and severity of symptoms? Many therapists will decrease the frequency of psychotherapy sessions but continue some maintenance therapy longer than the initial eight to 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment for a first episode of depression is likely to last at least six to 12 months with either treatment but may be longer. For recurring depression, many doctors will recommend a person stay on medication for considerably longer periods to prevent a recurrence.
Resources:
Anxiety and
Depression in Children http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression
The Balanced
Mind Parent Network-Partnership to help teens with depression
Healthy
Children: Childhood Depression-What Parents Can do to help: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Childhood-Depression-What-Parents-Can-Do-To-Help.aspx
Kid’s Health:
Understanding Depression http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/understanding_depression.html
National
Alliance on Mental Illness Children & Adolescent Depression http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=88551
National
Institute on Mental Illness Depression Symptoms:
National
Institute on Mental Illness Fact Sheet on Childhood Depression: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-children-and-adolescents/depression-in-children-and-adolescents.pdf
Pyche Central:
Teenage Depression Symptoms http://psychcentral.com/library/teen_depression_symptoms.htm
Relax Kids
Training http://www.relaxkids.com/UK/Homepage
