It is easy to prevent stress and depression in children by knowing the factors of depression. To prevent and counter depression, children must be allowed to express their thoughts. Read on to know how you can help prevent stress and depression in children.

Depression in children should never be taken lightly. Seemingly simple at the onset they can cause serious behavioural disorders in later life of the child. It is possible that the child might get into alcohol and substance abuse, sexual promiscuity and contemplate suicide or harm others.

At the onset, depression and stress is marked by symptoms like persistent lethargy, disinterest in any activity, sleeping and eating disorder and withdrawn or hostile behaviour. Since the regular life these days are conducive to factors of depression, it is important to prevent depression from getting into the child’s system. Given below are some such ways on how this can be achieved: 

Always Keep Communication Open

Depression and stress often set in when the child is unable to clearly express his thoughts and feelings. Emotions are meant to be shared and expressed. If and when they remain bottled up, problems are but natural. Communicate openly with the child to understand his feeling and thoughts, and whether he is troubled by something or any person. Make the child feel comfortable in interacting with you. It is through communication that you get a cue on what is going on in his mind and take appropriate preventive measures in solving the problem. 

Check the Diet of the Child

It is very important that the child has a healthy and balanced diet that meets all the nutritional requirements of a growing body. You must know that physical and mental wellbeing are intertwined. If there is nutritional deficiencies in the form of lack of vitamins like B complex or/and essential fatty acids, it is likely that the child will be less equipped to fight depression. These are factors that also cause depression. So not only lack of appropriate diet, but unhealthy food intake like too much of carbohydrates, junk and fried food, food high in sugar content not only results in obesity but also cause mood disorders like sudden and frequent mood swings and emotional outbursts. So make sure that there are adequate amount of fruits, veggies, whole wheat, grains and proteins and fibre are there in your child’s diet. 

Make Sure that the Child is Physically Active

Adequate amount of physical activity is necessary for a healthy mind and body. It releases brain chemicals known as endorphin that induces a feel good factor. It boosts energy levels, enhances the alertness and concentration powers of the child. These can prevent and counter depression symptoms by bringing the mind out of its closet and inducing positive thoughts and feelings. An early morning or evening walk is a great way to relax and feel fresh. You can make it a regular family activity of staying fit. It can also be an outdoor sport that the kid is interested in. 

There Must be a Creative Outlet for Expression

Help the child to express his thoughts and feelings through a creative pursuit. Engaging in creative expressions is an excellent method to process emotions and thereby channelise them. It helps in identifying, coping and also preventing depression. A mind that is engaged in creativity is happy and less likely to be infused or affected by negative thoughts or events happening around. And in a depressive state, it is also a great way to give vent to bottled emotions and doing away of the excessive negative baggage.

Finally, check the family history. Studies show that if there is a family history of one or more members suffering from depression, it is likely that the child can be affected by the same. Though a direct genetic link is not yet established but going by the research studies, it is helpful if you are aware of such cases running in the family. It only helps you to be more careful regarding the wellbeing of the kid.