Depression is one of the most common mental health issues among children and teens.One in 17 children and one in eight teens may be depressed.Depression can be very serious for a child and they often need a lot of help.It is possible to help a depressed child by seeking professional help and treatment.
Step 1: The signs of depression in a child can be seen.
There are a lot of typical signs of depression.The symptoms can be different in children.If your child has any signs of depression, it's a good idea to seek professional help as soon as possible.If your child has any of the following signs, they may be depressed.
Step 2: You can schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Depression isn't something you can treat on your own.Professional treatment is the best way to help your child.Make an appointment with your child's doctor.The staff can get your child in as soon as possible if you let the office know what it is.Depression can be treated in 80% of people.Take your child to the doctor if you are concerned about how they are feeling.Let your child know that they can see a doctor if they are depressed.If you tell your child to be honest when talking to the doctor, they will get the best help to overcome depression.If you notice any symptoms in your child, let the doctor know.When you answer questions, give your child a chance to speak.
Step 3: You can get a referral from a mental health professional.
Your child's doctor can refer them to a mental health professional.If your child feels comfortable with the person, they can help manage their depression.Try another professional if you don't like a person.Ask your doctor if a Psychiatrist, a health professional who can diagnose and treat depression, and a psychologist are right for your child.
Step 4: Take anti-depressant medications.
Psychotherapy and medication can be used to treat depression in children.Anti-depressants can help relieve the symptoms of depression.The FDA only approved two drugs for use in children.They are fluoxetine and escitalopram.Prozac is approved for children over the age of eight.If your child is taking an anti-depressant, you should keep an eye on them.It can take two to four weeks for antidepressants to work for your child.Therapy and self-care can be used to help your child.After six to 12 months, your child may stop taking the medication.Make sure your child takes their medication.You can help them with this.If your child is suffering from depression, talk to your doctor.
Step 5: Consider alternatives to treatments.
If therapy, medication, and self-care aren't working, your child's doctor may want to try alternative treatments.Alternative treatments can help relieve your child's depression.If your child is struggling with depression, consider a hospital stay or outpatient day treatment.ECT is a surgical procedure in which electrical currents are passed to the brain to improve brain function.It can help a child with depression relatively quickly because it has a high response rate and is safe for children.Children who don't respond to anti-depressants can benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation.A treatment coil is placed against the head to send a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells.Although doctors are still gathering evidence on the effectiveness of TMS in children, it is safe and may help your child if other treatments aren't working.
Step 6: Your child will be supported.
Unconditional love and support from their parents and family members is one of the cornerstones of helping a depressed child.Don't let your child know that you're there to talk and help them, even if it's not nice.It is important to keep repeating your statements about love and support to your child.Even if your child doesn't believe them.Don't forget that your child's inability to engage in activity is a disease.It can help you understand and support their problems.Don't tell your child to "snap out of it" at any time.If your child were to be depressed, they would probably snap out of it.
Step 7: Inform your child's teacher.
The educational professionals are there to help your child.Keeping educational professionals in the loop about what your child is going through can give them extra love and support.Your child shouldn't have to worry about other students or parents finding out about your child's depression because educational professionals are required to keep the information confidential.Let teachers, administrators, and schools nurses know if there are any problems at school that contribute to your child's depression.Let them know if your child takes medication that can cause side effects.If your child doesn't finish their homework because of the depression, ask the teachers to give you less homework or be more understanding.
Step 8: Encourage activity or exercise.
Serotonin can be increased in the brain by regular activity.It can help relieve the symptoms of depression.Encourage your child to do some type of activity every day or incorporate it into the family routine, which can help to boost their mood.Allow your child to do physical activities.This could be doing a lot of things, including jumping on a trampoline.Anti-depressant effects can be similar to those of creative activities.Tell your child that you would like to try yoga, tai chi, or qigong together.Relaxing exercises have been found to be effective against the symptoms of depression.
Step 9: Provide your child with healthy meals.
Depression can be worsened by poor nutrition.Ensuring that your child is getting three meals and two snacks a day can promote their overall well-being and help with the symptoms of depression.Give your child a variety of foods from the five food groups.Foods with mood-Enhancing acid include asparagus.Your child's depression can be alleviated by eating foods that are high in vitamins B and C.You can cook meals with your child, which will give you some one-on-one time.
Step 10: Make sure your child isn't using drugs.
Children who are depressed are more likely to use drugs.Give your child the support they need to stop using.If you have alcohol or drugs in your home, make sure they are locked up.Explain to your child that alcohol and drugs can make them feel better in a short time, but they will make the depression worse in the long run.
Step 11: Your child is stressed.
Depression can be caused by stress because of schoolwork, social situations or chores.It is possible to reduce your child's exposure to things that cause stress.Reduce homework to help your child deal with it.Ask if it is possible to switch classes.It's important to make stress reduction changes at home as well.Give your child less chores or break them up into manageable parts.Praise your child for trying.It can help a child feel less stressed.
Step 12: Promote a good sleep pattern.
It is necessary for every person to have enough rest to maintain their health.This is true for children with depression.It's important that your child gets at least nine to 11 hours of sleep a night.Short naps of 20 to 30 minutes can help your child feel better.
Step 13: Stay up to date on local laws and organizational policies.
It is natural to want to help a child who is struggling with depression.Federal and local laws may govern how you can help.Ensuring that you assist the child in a way that doesn't violate their rights can be done by keeping yourself apprised of any laws and protocols related to providing depressed children with help.It reduces the risk of a lawsuit for you or the organization.Ask your school's legal administrator what you can do.Inform the principal, school nurse, or counselor if you are trying to help a depressed child.They may not know that a depressed child needs to file for an Individualized Educational Plan.If you know of the child's depression, don't tell anyone else.Depression is a medical condition and falls under medical privacy laws in most countries.
Step 14: The child knows you are willing to help.
It is possible to give comfort to a child who is depressed by telling them that you will help them.When it comes to work, chores, or other activities, tell the child that you are open to talk and give them consideration.Assure the child that they don't have to ask for help.Let them know that your door is always open to help where you can.Say, "I know you're struggling, Sara."You can come and talk to me whenever you want.Offer to allow the student to stop by and help you with something during the day if you need that or a quiet space to work.This gives them the opportunity to address any problems in a safe environment but also gives you a chance to bolster the child's confidence with some positive feedback.
Step 15: Stay patient and understand.
A depressed child may feel like the world is against them and a little impatience from another person may make them feel worse.If you remind yourself that the child is depressed and needs a break, you will be able to understand if they slip up occasionally.If you feel like you are going to scold the child, take a deep breath.This can help you relax.
Step 16: Constructive criticism and two positive comments are provided.
When a child is depressed, they may focus on negative comments.It is important to avoid making negative comments and to deliver constructive criticism in a positive way.If you have constructive criticism for this child, make sure to keep it between two positive comments.Riley, you have done a great job with these problems.Do you think you could try more?You could show the other kids your knowledge.
Step 17: There should be regular breaks.
Children who are depressed can become overwhelmed and anxious.Giving the child regular breaks to rest and relax can help calm them.The child can put their head on a desk in the back of the room.If the child asks, you can let them leave the classroom and go to the nurse.If you have assembly, fire drills, or other activities that make the depression worse, give the child a chance to take a break or go somewhere else.The child should be given a colored card or something similar to indicate they need a break.The child can put it on their desk.
Step 18: It is important to accommodate tasks to the child.
Some children with depression will have Individualized Education Programs.If you have it, you should follow the Individualized Education Program, which is tailored to the child's condition.Appropriate accommodations can be made to help the child if they don't have an IEP.Giving the child an alternative location in which to take tests is one of the things that can be done.