What should parents do when their children are depressed?

When your child reaches adolescence, it is easy to see that he often has erratic emotions: Sometimes sad, rebellious, sometimes withdrawn and even emotionally disturbed. While these states are common in a teen, depression is a disorder. According to the 1999 statistics, one in 20 children will have this symptom. So what to do when a child is depressed and how can parents help their child through this difficult period?

1. Depression is not synonymous with sadness

It's not uncommon if your baby is in puberty and has a mood swings, such as when you are happy or sad. This does not mean your baby is depressed. A lot of sleep is also not a symptom of depression . This is very common in adolescents because at this age your baby actually needs more sleep than adults and they often have difficulty falling asleep early.

So how do parents know the difference when a baby is sad "usually" or when a baby is depressed?

You can observe real changes in children's behavior, change in taste and sleep, poor learning, difficulty concentrating, not being interested in anything else and withdrawing from social activities. festival. If the depression persists for more than 2-3 weeks, you need to pay attention and seek immediate medical attention.

2. Depression does not have the characteristics of molds certain

We often create stereotypes for certain types of neuropathy. Many people believe that adolescents with depression are often troubled, lonely, bookworm or sentimental. But in fact, this disorder is not categorized into any of the certain features. Depression can affect all teenagers. However, it affects girls more than boys.

3.  Depression is a common disease

Not only is your child having trouble with depression, but also with a lot of other emotions. For example, anxiety is another symptom that often occurs with depression. Many teenagers carry worries about school pressure, striving to balance learning with athletic (or other physical activities) and social activities. All of this makes babies feel tired easily. In some cases, depression can be the primary problem, but it comes with other disorders such as dyspepsia.

4. Treatment of depression in adolescents

Most people think that depression is difficult to treat, but Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. Some evidence indicates that antidepressants are also effective in treating adolescent depression. Of course, what type of treatment is needed does not depend on the severity and persistence of depression.

Here are effective methods that parents can refer to to help children get rid of depression:

1. Don't ignore the problem

If you suspect that your child is depressed, consider your child with love, not examine them. Even if you are not sure if your child is depressed, you need to address your child's troubled behaviors and emotional disturbances.

You can talk to them so they can share what they are going through and you have to really listen to what they say, ready to help them with anything.

2. Encourage connection with society

Children with depression tend to separate themselves from their favorite activities and their friends. However, being alone will only make depression worse, so what you can do is help your baby reconnect with society.

3. Physical health is a top priority

Physical and mental health has a strong connection. Depression will be worse if the child is inactive, has little sleep and poor nutrition. A lifestyle problem in today's society is that adolescents often have unhealthy habits such as waking up late, eating high-calorie foods and sitting for hours at the phone and computer. You can then support your child by establishing a positive lifestyle with play activities and family activities on weekends and holidays.

4. Know when to seek professional help

Changing a child's lifestyle to be healthier and supportive is one way that makes a child's world different, but that's not enough. When depression is exacerbated, you can seek help with child care from a psychologist or neurologist.

5. Take care of yourself (and the rest of the members)

If you have a child who is depressed, you may find yourself focusing too much energy and energy on your child. Meanwhile, you forget about your needs and that of other family members. Therefore, you should take care of yourself and other members.

Also, if you feel your child is depressed, the first thing you need to do is talk to your child. "Try to find out what upsets your children, don't take them lightly," Dr. Evans said. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but it can be a problem for your child ”.

If you still feel anxious after talking to your child, see a psychiatrist or psychiatrist. According to Dr. Kingsley: “If you have a condition that requires treatment, there are a number of options you can choose from, such as seeking child counseling, family therapy with the chat method. Experts can consider using antidepressants, but only if the illness becomes severe ".

In addition, if you are concerned about your child being depressed, you can show support. "All children and adolescents need to feel respected, loved, and loved," says Dr. Kingsley. They need to be close with their caregivers (usually parents) to feel valued for those who unconditionally support them wholeheartedly. This will help protect your child from depression ”.

Above all, taking care of yourself also means that you reach out to receive support from other members. You cannot do everything on your own. The help of people will help you maintain your health, have a positive attitude to help your child get rid of this disease.