Depression

Childhood depression is more than just feeling sad and not every sad child will go on to develop depression. If a child’s sadness starts to interfere with their daily functioning or becomes persistent, they could be experiencing depression.

A child experiencing depressions may:

• Withdraw socially

• Become angry and irritable

• Feel guilty, sad or experience a sense of hopelessness.

• Experience changes in their sleeping patterns and appetite

• Have difficulty concentrating

• Experience low energy and fatigue

• Cry a lot or have vocal outbursts

• Experience physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches that don’t respond to treatment.

• Some start using drugs or alcohol to cope.

• Some will feel suicidal or have thoughts of harming themselves

What can you do if you think your child is depressed?

• You can take them to a doctor or psychologist for assessment.

• You can do something nice with them.

• You could take them to a counsellor for support.

• Remind them that they can get better.

• Encourage them to spend time with people who make them feel good about themselves and safe.

• If they are having negative thoughts help them to tune these out by encouraging them to watch a movie or TV show.

If your child is experiencing depression and they would like some support call or message Nurture to make an appointment.