Obvious Signs Your Child Might Be Coping With Depression

Unfortunately, we live in a time where depression is a serious issue, but not everyone takes it seriously.

Depression can often be mistaken for normal teenage mood swings, but there are certain signs you can look out for to find out whether your child is struggling with a more serious issue.

If you suspect that your child might be coping with depression, it’s important to get them the help they need as soon as possible. This article will discuss some of the signs to look out for.

But before that, let’s address a common myth.

Depression is More Than a Mental State

It is a serious mental condition that can have a devastating effect on a child’s life. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and despair. Moreover, it can lead to many physical and emotional problems.

There are many different types of depression, but the most common form is clinical depression. This type is diagnosed when a child experiences various signs, some of which are discussed below.

Signs of Depression in Your Child

Sign#1: Feeling Sad or Unhappy

Your kid might not laugh as much, and they might refuse to do things that they usually enjoy. Sometimes it is because of something that happened. But sometimes it is the same feeling all the time like they don’t want to go on anymore.

How to deal with it: Listen to your child and let them talk about what they’re feeling. Don’t try to push them out of their sadness, but rather encourage them to express their feelings. You can also help them find healthy ways to deal with their emotions, such as exercise, journaling, or talking to a therapist.

Sign#2: Feeling Anxious or Nervous

Kids with depression often feel a lot of anxiety and nervousness. They might have a hard time concentrating in school or feel like everything is too much to handle. They might also have trouble sleeping or experience physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches.

How to deal with it: You might want to talk to their doctor about whether or not they should be taking medication. You can also help them by teaching them relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises.

Sign#3: Changes in Eating Habits

Depressed kids often lose interest in food. Worse, they might start to skip meals or eat a lot less than they usually do. They might also begin to gain or lose weight quickly and have difficulty controlling their eating habits.

How to deal with it: Try to explain to your child about various benefits of foods for their health and how it can impact their physical and mental health. You can also add colorful food options to their plate to entice them to eat. If they are losing weight, make sure to consult a doctor.

Sign#4: Changes in Sleep Habits

Children with depression often have trouble sleeping. They might stay up all night and then sleep for most of the day. They might also have nightmares or wake up frequently during the night.

How to deal with it: Make sure your child has a relaxing bedtime routine and try to limit their exposure to electronics before bed. You can also talk to them about their dreams and help them deal with any nightmares they might be having.

Sign#5: Feeling Worthless or Hopeless

Your child may often feel worthless and that nothing they do is ever good enough. They might also feel like there is no point in living anymore.

How to deal with it: Encourage your child to set realistic goals for themselves and praise them when they achieve something. You can also help them by talking to a therapist, who can help them address their feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.

Sign#6: Feeling Angry or Irritable

Such children often feel angry and irritable. They might have a lot of mood swings, and they might be easily annoyed by things that wouldn’t usually bother them.

How to deal with it: Try to find out what might be triggering your child’s anger and help them healthily deal with those emotions. You can also talk to them about how to express their anger productively.

Sign#7: Isolating From Friends and Family

Children with depression might stop hanging out with their usual group of friends, or they might refuse to see their family members.

How to deal with it: Try to get your child to open up about why they’re isolating themselves and see if there is anything you can do to help them. You can also encourage them to spend time with friends and family in a fun way.

Sign#8: Reckless Behavior

This is another red flag in kids suffering from depression. This might include doing dangerous things, like drinking alcohol, using drugs, or driving their cycles recklessly.

How to deal with it: Try to talk to them about the dangers of those activities. You can also seek professional help if you think your child is in danger because of their depression.

Sign#9: Trouble Concentrating

Kids with depression often find it hard to concentrate on anything. They might have a hard time focusing in school or completing everyday tasks.

How to deal with it: Talk to your child’s teacher and see if they can provide any help. You can also get your child to set smaller goals for themselves and break down tasks into more manageable parts.

Sign#10: Suicidal Thoughts

The most serious sign of depression in kids is when they start having thoughts about suicide. If your child is talking about wanting to die or hurt themselves, it’s important to get them to help right away.

How to deal with it: Talk to your child to a therapist immediately and let them know about your child’s suicidal thoughts. The therapist might want to put your child on medication or refer them to the concerned organization.

Closing Thoughts

Depression is a widely ignored topic. Unfortunately, many people believe it’s just a state of mind that will pass. However, this is far from the truth.

If you’re concerned that your child might be coping with depression, it’s important to get them the help they need. Talk to their doctor and see if they benefit from therapy or medication. There is no shame in admitting that your child needs help, and it could make a huge difference in their life.