Unfortunately depression does not only plague adults. The number of children that are experiencing depression is really quite shocking. When you think of childhood, it should spring memories of happiness and carefree days when playing with friends was fun and hanging out with family was great. But, this is not as common for tweens these days.
Kids are faced with pressure from so many angles from homework, to an overabundance of extracurricular activities, to competition with peers, and more. It seems that girls are more apt to become depressed than boys. Family history of depression also plays a role in who will become more prone to depression.
We all have bad days, and that is no different whether you are 10 years old or 50 years old. These bad days do not define a child with depression. But, knowing warning signs for depression that persist for a long period of time, should tip you off that your child needs your help. No one knows your child better than you, so early detection of depressive symptoms should not be too hard.
Common Signs of Depression in Tweens
- A once jovial child may become inward and isolated.
- A child may become tearful or irritable.
- A child may say negative things about herself and display a low self-esteem.
- You may notice a decline in grades at school.
- A child wants to sleep more than usual.
- You may notice a sudden weight change (either losing or gaining).
- With severe depression, your child may talk about not wanting to live anymore.
Helping a Child with Depression
- Try talking to your tween about problems that may be bothering her. An open communication is key so that she knows she has someone on her side, who is willing to listen and offer advice.
- If your child shows signs of severe depression, such as talking about suicide or running away from home, consult with your pediatrician. In severe cases, an antidepressant will be prescribed. Counseling may also be recommended either on an individual basis, with family, or both.
- After talking with your child, a solution as simple as rearranging her daily routine will help with stressors in her life. For instance, if she is no longer interested in gymnastic lessons, that may be something that can be dropped, and relieve your child of that stress. Or, maybe your tween needs to have an earlier bedtime so she can achieve a better night's sleep.
- Talking with your child's teachers about classroom behaviors may shine some light onto why she is feeling depressed, and simple modifications can be made, like sitting in a different seat.
Just knowing that she has loving support from her family can make a huge difference in a child's feelings and emotions.
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