Contents
Introduction
Today, we are having many children suffering from depression and anxiety. Once, these kinds of issues were ignored and considered to be rare. However, the ignored cases led to bigger issues when left unattended. It is important that you learn to help your child with anxiety and depression.
And, with technological advancement, an anxious child is more vulnerable to have anxiety and depression. It has become harder to pay attention to all our children’s activities. Today, many parents are unaware of the anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder in their children.
Every child in some way or the other struggles to cope with life at some point in life, However, there are times when things can get out of hand which may lead to depression, stress disorder, or even suicide. Therefore, as parents and guardians, it is important to keep track and check-in how your child is coping up. Make sure you are following the best parenting style to parent your child.
Symptoms Of a Child With Anxiety And Depression
According to a study in 2016 by the Depression Association of America, Teen depression is counted up to 12.8% in US adolescents. They have suffered from at least one major depression or anxiety. Look out for these symptoms of anxiety or depression in your child and adolescent. If you think they are showing these symptoms, it is time to start taking action.
Drastic change of eating habits
You may notice eating disorders in your child. Either they are eating a lot more amount of food or not interested in having any food at all.
Low self-esteem
Depression in children can affect them over all activities. They will experience low self-esteem and feel guilt or shame for themselves.
Lack of interest
They will withdraw from doing things that they once had interest in. They would rather stay alone and have no interest in sharing their problems.
Academic success deterioration
Their academic results may drop drastically. Their focus in studies and work may also be distracted.
Lack of energy and motivation
Every child is different and some children may be less energetic because of health concerns. However, children with depression will have less energy and motivation to do any physical activities like they use to.
Fatigue and aches
If child is depressed, they may have more complains of having fatigue and aches.
Thoughts of suicide and death
Your child may have suicidal thoughts and prefer to shut out from everyone.
Methods To Help A Child With Anxiety And Depression
If your child is struggling with anxiety and depression, follow the methods below to help them.
Get help
Request an appointment with your child’s doctor or with the therapist. Your child may be suffering from disorders, such as, posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD, obsessivecompulsive disorder OCD, body dysmorphic disorder, etc, which will need medical professionals. There are also mental health apps, suicide prevention, and family resource center that are helping children and parents with depression and anxiety.
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Talk to your child
Talk with your child gently, if you think they are suffering from any mental health conditions. This will depend on how your relationship with your child is. If you are not really close with your child, try to get connected with them with small talks or give more time to your kids. You need to have patience while you reach out to them.
Social involvement
Get them involved in gatherings or social activities to keep their mind off from depressing thoughts. If your children have social anxiety and feel anxious every time they are around people, you can start small. For instance, make a routine for you and your child to go for a walk for ten minutes every day. Or, plant a tree or do something of their interest and let them help. And appreciate them when they are giving their efforts. Let them know that you are with them and they are not alone.
Be an example
As you help your child cope with depression and anxiety, show your child that you are also changing your bad habits. As it is said, action speaks louder than words, you will be the biggest inspiration to your child.
Adapt A healthy routine habit
Prepare a healthy routine for your family to follow. This will not only support your childs mental health, but it will help your child to stay fit in as a kid. It will also improve your overall health.
Encourage your child
Learn how to recognize, praise, and encourage your child if they are doing something good or succeeds in other activities.
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Tips
You can help your child feel fewer depressive episodes and anxious moments. Here are a few tips that will help a child with anxiety and depression.
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep (set a regular time).
- Take them out and have experience with nature.
- Give efforts to strengthen relationships
- Teach them the importance of self-care and practice it.
- Stay calm when your child becomes anxious
- Sign them up for online training skills programs, if they are unable to go out.
- Don’t forget to watch out for the other siblings, whose lives may also get affected if no attention is given to them.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation
- Make them aware of relaxation techniques and tricks. Some few are discussed below.
Relaxation Techniques & Tricks
Relaxation techniques can also help anxious kids when they are having a hard time in public. Here are a few easy techniques in times of emergencies for anxiety in children and adults as well.
Breathe in and out
Deep breathing by evenly inhaling and exhaling can help you to calm down and re-center your mind.
The 3-3-3 rule
Firstly, name three things you see around you. Secondly, name three sounds you hear. Thirdly, move three parts of your body. (For example, your toes, forearms, or hands). This trick can help your to bring back your mind to the present moment.
Stand up straight
Pull your shoulders back, stand or sit with your feet apart and open your chest. Studies says that when we are anxious, we hunch over to protect our upper body, where heart and lungs locates. Therefore, this will give your body an immediate natural reaction to get back control.
Just do something
If your children feel anxious or depressed, do any physical activity with them. For instance, go for a walk, grab a bite, do a chore, or do anything that you can do together. Any action interrupts your thoughts and helps to regain your senses. And, hey, you know your child best so, you can do anything that helps.
Watch a funny video
Laughing is a good way to let go of anxiety and depression. According to research and studies, it can help lower anxiety and is beneficial for mental health and overall health. Cue up clips of your child’s favourite videos or shows to crank them up when they get anxious.
Conclusion
Childhood depression may also lead to behavioral health conditions in the future. However, you can help your child to overcome depression and anxiety before it gets out of hand. If you notice any physical symptoms, make sure you are paying attention to your child’s feelings and doing something about it.
Remember that any child can have stress or anxiety disorder even with good parenting. However, building relationships with relatives, families, and friends can also be a support network. You might have to be flexible in order to deal with your child, but you don’t have to stress out yourself too. Practice self-care and maintain a normal routine for your everyday activities.
If you think you are finding it difficult to handle your child, it is highly recommended for you to get help.
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