Major depression in children is more than the normal feelings of sadness. According to Kid'sHealth.org, a child who experiences major depression will experience a sad mood that is persistent, he will feel worthless and will forget what it is like to find pleasure and happiness in activities he used to enjoy. Major depression will affect all aspects of your child's life from relationships, to school work, to sleep patterns and appetite, notes Kid'sHealth.org. If you think your child is experiencing symptoms of major depression, it is important that you take the steps necessary to enable him to get the appropriate care.
Step 1
Enhance your understanding of major depression and its symptoms such as irritability or displays of anger, unexplained aches and pains, becoming extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection and withdrawing from some people while staying close to others or developing new social circles, reports HelpGuide.org. Gain an understanding of the possible treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy, as noted by the MayoClinic.com. Talk to your child's psychiatrists or doctor about the risks associated with children taking medication to treat depression. Understanding these aspects of major depression is essential for you to make well developed and educated decisions on your child's behalf.
Step 2
Promote physical activity. According to Kid'sHealth.org, physical activity has been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with depression. Spend family time together by taking walks, going on bike rides or going swimming. Allow your child to begin lessons in a sport she enjoys. Make exercise routine and regular, in order for your child to gain the most depression-fighting benefits.
Step 3
Provide support. You might always know that you will be there for your child and that you will always love her, but children need to hear you say it. Tell your child that you will love and care about her no matter what. Remind your child that you will be there for her and want to hear everything she has to say even if you might not like it, suggests Kid'sHealth.org. Providing a supportive atmosphere will increase your child's confidence and provide her with someone to turn to if the depression worsens.
Step 4
Seek out help from a specialist. Ask your child's doctor for a referral to a mental health professional who has training and experience working with children and adolescents who have depression. According to HelpGuide.org, this is important because the treatment for depression in teens and children can be tricky. Allow your child to provide her input and if she reports that she is not connecting with well with the therapist or feels uncomfortable, get her a new referral.
Step 5
Increase your awareness of possible suicide. Pay attention to the warning signs of suicide such as talking about or joking about suicide, talking about how he would be better off dead, romanticizing death, writing about dying, engaging in risky behaviors, saying goodbye to people, giving away prized possession and trying to get a hold of dangerous items such as pills or guns, reports HelpGuide.org. If you think that your child might be suicidal you should contact his therapist and/or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. If you can, you should bring your child to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation, or you can contact the police have them bring him in.
