they don’t understand why they should feel sad when nothing bad has happened.
You should let them know that nothing they’ve done is causing their depression and they’re somehow being punished for their actions or thoughts.
6. Keep Talking About It
Depression can be an ongoing illness, so you shouldn’t have one conversation about it and drop it. Studies show that depression can worsen over time – especially if your child is going through puberty.
Experts recommend checking in on them regularly and letting them know you’re ready to listen to their issues at any time. It’s also helpful to stress the importance of letting you know if their symptoms have changed.
You May Also Like
7. Give Them Self-Care Tips
Once you’ve discussed the symptoms of depression and what can cause them, you should offer some suggestions for self-care. Some activities like getting regular exercise, eating properly, sleeping well, and making time for hobbies that excite them can help to reduce depressive episodes.
If your child is having trouble with any of these suggestions, it might also be a decent indicator that you need to see a mental health professional.
RELATED: 15 Ways To Truly Help Someone Who Has Depression [VIDEO]
When To See A Professional
There are different types of depression and not all of them will require medication to be managed. The best thing to do is keep an eye on your child’s symptoms.
The typical symptoms of depression include feelings of worthlessness, losing interest in things that they found fun, feeling sad, changes in their sleep or eating patterns, and having difficulty concentrating. If you notice that things are getting worse or they’ve opened up to you about feelings of suicide, contact a professional immediately.
You May Also Like
The number of African American children who are dealing with depression is increasing and it will be up to their parents and guardians to help them. If you think your child is showing symptoms of depression, talk to them as soon as possible so they can get the help they need.
