Things To Know About Depression

Depression can affect people of virtually any age, which may seem alarming to you, but keep in mind that there is help out there when you need it. No matter if someone is a child or elderly, they may experience depression. Check out this article for information on depression and how to know if you need to seek therapy for your child to treat it.

Can Children Be depressed?

Children are able to be affected by depression. It may be brought on because of stress they are experiencing or something going on in their life that they are having a hard time with. Additionally, depression can be seen in teenagers. There are already so many changes taking place in a teen’s body, some of which may mimic common depression symptoms. You may want to look into the warning signs for depression in teens to learn more.

Symptoms Of Depression In Children

Here are some of the symptoms you need to be aware of and take note of with your child.

• Mood changes
• Having no energy
• Unable to finish schoolwork
• Sleeping less or more than usual
• Changes in how much they eat
• Not being able to concentrate
• Constant pains, for seemingly no reason

In some cases, these symptoms won’t be a cause for concern. However, if you notice 2 or more in your child and they start to impact their routine, this can be a red flag and let you know that you need to find a therapist for your child.

What To Do

When you are concerned about your child, the first thing you can do is have them checked out by their doctor. They will be able to ensure that they are not experiencing any physical ailments. If they are, your child can be treated quickly for anything that is going on within their body.

Along with this, you should do everything you can to make sure that they have a sleeping schedule that allows for them to get enough sleep and that they are eating a balanced diet. These things can go a long way into making sure that they stay healthy. Eating the right foods can also keep them from having vitamin deficiencies, which may affect growth and moods.

Getting Treatment

You can also talk to your child’s doctor about whether they could benefit from therapy. In some cases, a doctor may be able to refer you to a therapist, who will be able to treat your child for depression. There are many types of therapies that are designed to alleviate symptoms of depression, including things like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, which you can read about in this BetterHelp article.

While you are searching for the right therapist, remember that there are options available. Therapy can be in-person, where you meet with a doctor, or online, where you interact through a smart device with a counselor. In some cases, online therapy may be more convenient and less expensive. You might want to do some research on how the process works, to see if this is something you would like to take advantage of for your kid.

Outlook

When your child is experiencing depression, it is important to get them the treatment they need. Work with a therapist once you notice the symptoms of depression, and they can help you learn more about how you can help. Besides that, they will be able to work with your child, where they may see fewer or less severe symptoms from this condition. Results are unlikely to happen overnight, but they can happen. Keep an open mind and work with their therapist, to ensure that you are doing helpful things at home as well. This can be challenging, but it will be worth it when your child starts to feel like they are not as affected by depression.

Author Bio: Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.