How to Talk to Children With Depression

When a child has been diagnosed with depression, it can be difficult to know how to talk to him about his feelings. You may wonder if you should bring it up or whether you should pretend as if everything is normal. Understanding the symptoms of depression and the treatment options can help you relate to your child and ease your own discomfort in talking with him.

Symptoms

• If your child has been diagnosed with depression, a combination of symptoms have likely occurred that indicated a need for treatment. Depression is expressed differently in children than it is in adults. Although a child may present as sad, she may also show signs of irritability. A depressed or irritable mood that lasts longer than two weeks indicates a problem that should be addressed.

  Depression is also often accompanied by physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches, as well as weight fluctuations and disruptions in sleep patterns. Being familiar with these symptoms can help you understand why your child is feeling the way she is and how these symptoms might be affecting her.

Treatment

• If your child is being treated for depression, he is most likely in therapy and may be on an antidepressant medication.You should familiarize yourself with the medication(s) so you can watch for any potential side effects and also be alert for any changes in your child's mood or behavior. He may be uncomfortable sharing the details of his treatment or any medications, so be prepared to do the research on your own.

Isolation

• A child who is depressed may want to isolate herself. Gently encouraging your child to participate in activities or offering an ear to listen to what's going on with her can her feel more comfortable and not pressured to act "normal." Giving her individual attention when you notice her withdrawing can be helpful, but try not to single her out. Instead of saying, "Jane, don't stand by yourself," suggest something like, "Jane, would you like to help me over here?" Anything you can do to include your child and keep other kids from singling her out can be beneficial.

Normalize

• It is helpful to normalize what the your child is feeling. If he shares with you that he feels worthless or isn't good at something, share a similar feeling, such as when you you couldn't shoot a basket or failed a test. Relating to your child encourages him to talk to you and reduces the likelihood that he will feel judged.

Professional Help

• If you are concerned your child might hurt herself or have any concern for her safety, tell her that you are concerned. Ask her if she has harmful thoughts. If she indicates that she may be in danger, seek professional help immediately.