IS YOUR CHILD GOING THROUGH DEPRESSION?

Depression is a serious mental health disease and not just a “dull or low phase” in life or momentary sadness or grief. As opposed to popular belief it is not really in your control. It affects your behaviour, the way you feel and think. It affects not only your mental and emotional state but also affects you physically. Like adults, even children can become victims of depression. There is no set structure to depression, it varies from person to person and the same goes with children. As compared to adults, the symptoms of depression are slightly different in children. A lot of times depression in children go undiagnosed because their symptoms are passed off as puberty issues. Even though you feel like you might be able to help your child, a child psychologist is more qualified and equipped than you to help your child. A child suffering from depression is not going to be able to fathom and communicate what he/she is going through to you effectively without professional help.

These are a few signs that indicate your child is suffering from depression and needs child therapy-

-      Your child who once enjoyed playing with his/her friends, is unable to connect with them and does not like playing with them anymore. Even toys do not give him satisfaction and he rarely play with them.

-      Their eating habits and appetite have changed significantly which may result in a sudden gain or loss in their weight.

-      They have expressed feelings of wanting to run away from your house to you or other family members.

-      They are unable to concentrate on their studies, their grades have been unexpectedly dropping, they do not respect or have been challenging school authorities and/or misbehaving in school.

-      Therapy can help if there has been a recent death in your family and your child does not seem to be functioning well since then.

-      They do not get satisfaction from participating in activities that they once loved and enjoyed.

-      Their sleep patterns have drastically changed. Maybe they stay up way beyond their bed time because they are unable to fall asleep. Or they sleep-in way more than they usually did and find it difficult to get out of bed.

-      They have become lethargic and get tired easily by doing tasks they once effortlessly did.

-      They complain of body aches, cramps or headaches often without there being an underlying cause.

-      Keeps to himself/herself and seems disconnected from the family and does not enjoy attending family functions or interacting with family members.

-      They have developed a negative outlook on life and/or they feel hopeless.

-      When probed, he/she is not able express the reasons behind their change in behaviour.

-      They unexplainably cry or are easily overwhelmed.

-      They indulge in self-harm or thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

If your child has showed any of the above symptoms, then you should be alarmed because your child is in need of professional depression help. Times have changed and even the Indian society is steadily realizing that mental health, especially in children is a serious issue. So please don’t sit back and expect your child to just “get over it”, take action and get them the help that they need.