Childhood Depression:  What To Do If Your Child Is Depressed

Just like adults, children can suffer from depression, in this case: childhood depression, or child depression. It’s not infrequent 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 can very well represent a good sign of a serious issue.

One of the most common misconceptions about childhood depression is when people ask themselves: "what do children have to be depressed about?".  Maybe this can expose several misunderstandings about childhood depression and what it is.  It is definitely quite similar to clinical depression-borrowing from medical terminology and is not only down moods resulting from a child being ‘depressed’ because they have just been punished or have been told they can’t have something they want.  No, childhood depression is more invasive into the child’s very existence, may be long-term and if not attended to life threatening.   

Perhaps another misunderstanding may have to do with us thinking that being a child is a care-free, trouble free period of human life.  This is not exactly the case because with peer acceptance, school and family expectations, it is enough to make a kid worry and could be a huge factor to be considered in regards to dealing with child depression. 

Other Causes of Childhood Depression: 

1.  Family History of Mental illness or suicide. 

2.  Abuse (physical, emotional or sexual) 

3.  Loss of a parent at an early age due to death, divorce or abandonment. 

4.  Chronic illnesses. 

5.  Improper diet and lack of sufficient exercise. 

6.  Insufficient parental attention. 

7. Too much exposure to negative factors such as parents arguing, bad neighborhoods, etc 

Although this is not a conclusive list of the causes of depression in children, perhaps these factors are the most usual ones.   

Symptoms of Childhood Depression: 

1.  Loss of interest in hobbies and activities 

2.  Difficulty concentrating.   

3.  Abrupt change in appetite 

4.  Change in sleep patterns (either increase or decrease).

5.  Persistent Sadness. 

6.  Making depreciating statements such as "I'm not good enough, I'm stupid…" 

7.  Excessive clinging or withdrawal 

8.  Recurring thoughts of Suicide 

If you notice any of these in your child's behavior, it may be time to seek help.  But, bear in mind, the first step might be a good heart to heart talk with your child. 

Reconnect with them.  Make plans for a getaway saying things like "How about you and I go to the park, only the two of us eh?".  Now take advantage of this time to carefully see what can be the problem with your child.   

Also, borrowing from Yoga principles (Natural Healing as well), now will be a good time to assess your whole families’ diet.  Very important to remember that, "you are what you eat".  Diet plays, maybe the most important role in a person's health, particularly children in their growing stages so all attempts must be made to 'pleasantly' enforce a proper diet.  You might not have to work too hard as most kids love bananas and other sweet fruits and fresh juices.  Vegetables…perhaps not so much, but you get my gist.  Try to substitute processed foods with healthier ones. 

Take time out to be there for your child or at least be aware of who he or she is around the most.  Remember children are wonderful imitators.   

If you yourself happen to be depressed, I recommend drug-free options such as Yoga, and the previously mentioned proper eating.  In addition, look into fasting albeit it short as this works great for restoring your emotional balance due to the body not being taxed with the duties of digestion, assimilation and re-building.  Your mind clears and all moroseness fades and consequently, you are likely to find the answers to the problems warranting a treatment for depression to begin with.  Keep in mind however; this radical step is suited only for adults not exactly for kids.   

Devote sometime (thirty minutes or more a day) for open air recreation for yourself and your family.  Regular visits to the zoo, active play, and swimming have a tendency to relieve tension produced in the home, school, and work and this may go a long way in helping in curing childhood depression in the family.   

Make efforts yourself to be cheerful as much as possible as kids do mimic what their parents continuously do.  Lastly, if you are of a spiritual inclination, try prayer power and introduce your 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." I believe a child connected to God is one sure way of preventing childhood depression.  (Of course with the factors formerly mentioned.) 

Parenting or being a role model to a child is a duty that may be tasking sometimes, even more say when dealing with a depressed child.  However with the ideas given, if performed correctly, childhood depression should not be a thing your kid has to go through.