Tips for Parents of Depressed Children

Childhood depression is painful. Characterized by persistent sadness, feelings of worthlessness and the inability to feel happiness, depression interferes with your child's day-to-day activities. It's easy to confuse depression in kids with bad moods or irritability. These emotions are a normal part of growing up. But parents should remember that in childhood depression, the bad mood never lifts. It persists and sometimes even gets worse.

Signs & Symptoms of Depression

• Early intervention is important if you suspect your child is depressed. Depression is a real illness and requires professional help. Don't fall into the trap of believing your child will "snap out of it." In fact, research shows that if childhood depression is left untreated, it will continue into adulthood.

  Typically, if your child is depressed you will begin to notice marked changes in behavior. For instance, your child perhaps used to spend a lot of time playing with friends, but now prefers to be alone. Sometimes depressed children will act out in school, have learning problems or their grades will begin to drop.

  Other signs of depression include:
  - being tearful or crying frequently
  - appearing sad or bored a lot of the time
  - having little or no interest in favorite activities
  - expressing feelings of hopelessness
  - having little or no energy
  - being angry or irritable more often
  - struggling with relationships and communication
  - complaining of physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches
  - struggling to concentrate
  - changing eating and sleeping patterns
  - talking about running away
  - mentioning suicide or thinking about death

  Finally, depressed kids also are more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol than those who are not depressed. If you suspect that your child is depressed, talk with your pediatrician. Most likely, he or she will rule out a physical illness first. But if nothing is found, your pediatrician may refer you to a mental health professional.

Understanding Your Child's Depression

• Depression is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, it is one of the most common health issues in the world. Each year, more than 17 million people are affected. Moreover, one in 33 children may have depression and one in eight teens.

  Parents often wonder if they are to blame when their child is depressed. While it is true that a key life event like a divorce, a change in schools or a death plays a role, depression usually is not caused by one event. Many factors contribute to depression. For instance, lower levels of certain brain chemicals, genetics, prescription medications and chronic illnesses can play a role.

Helping Your Depressed Child

• Depression is both frightening and frustrating. But with proper treatment and your support, your child will start to feel better. Following are some tips for helping your depressed child get through this period in his or her life:
  - Accept that your child is depressed. Do not yell, criticize or tell your child to "snap out of it." Offer understanding, patience and encouragement.
  - Remind your child frequently that you are there for him or her. Depressed kids often feel unlovable. Hearing loving statements and feeling supported can really help.
  - Listen carefully, without judgment, when your child shares his feelings. It may be tough to hear some of the things your child has to say, but don't belittle his feelings.
  - Try to offer hope and encouragement without sounding trite. You don't want to increase feelings of failure.
  - Don't deceive yourself into believing that your child is lazy. Getting out of bed and doing homework requires energy, and depressed children feel exhausted and uninterested in life around them. Still, encourage your child to follow through on responsibilities. Offer praise when she makes the effort to complete a task.
  - Help your child stay active by participating in walks or bike rides with her. Physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
  - Encourage healthy eating. Provide good, nutritious meals. Healthy food helps improve mood.
  - Make sure your child takes prescribed medications on time and report any side effects to your doctor right away.
  - Follow your doctor's treatment plan for counseling or therapy. Having consistent counseling sessions will help your child recover more quickly.

  Finally, take action if your child is being treated for depression but is not getting better. Symptoms should diminish over time. Sometimes altering medications is all that is needed. Remember, depression is a major risk factor for suicidal behavior and lingering or worsening symptoms should never be ignored.