Are there any tips for parents to manage depression in children? Managing depression requires some changes in the lifestyle of the child. Cases of depression in children will decline, if parents take effective steps. Read on these tips for parents. While studying various cases of depression in children, it has been observed that the environment plays a big role in most of them. The environment cannot be changed altogether but it can sure be bettered and be made more conducive for the growth of the young mind. Parents can significantly ensure that the child is able to manage depression by making some simple changes in the lifestyle of the child. Given below are some tips that will ensure that the child is at a better position to manage stress and depression. In this articleMake Sure That the Counsellor is Liked by Your ChildInvolve the Teacher in the Depression Management ProgrammeMake Communication Open and EasyMake Sure That the Child has Healthy Meals Throughout the DayCheck the Sleeping PatternsEnsure That the Child is Physically ActiveMake Sure That the Counsellor is Liked by Your Child Most parents tend to ignore this aspect but it has been observed that when the counsellor is liked by the patient, the therapy becomes more effective and faster. For managing depression the help of a counsellor becomes imperative at times. So see to it that the child is comfortable interacting with him or her. If the child complains of a certain thing he dislikes in the counsellor, hear him out and if despite your attempts the comfort quotient is negative, change the counsellor. Involve the Teacher in the Depression Management Programme Whether you are taking the help of a counsellor or trying to help the child manage depression by your own efforts, make sure that you have a detailed talk on the child’s condition with his teacher as well. After home, he spends the maximum of his time in the school. The teacher ought to be made aware of the declining mood and/or health of the child and you can also get important inputs regarding behaviour etc. from the teacher as well as she or he has been observing the kid from close quarters and noticing his behavioural changes on different occasions. So analysing and reporting the same to the counsellor becomes easy. Make Communication Open and Easy Ensure that the child feels comfortable communicating with you. Be a patient listener to his thoughts and worries, encourage the child to express himself. This enhances the natural bond of love that you share, get a hang of what is exactly troubling the kid and often just talking it out without fear or apprehension helps in managing depression as the cause in no longer bottled up inside the little heart. Make Sure That the Child has Healthy Meals Throughout the Day Adequate and a balanced diet can ensure that the daily nutritional requirements are fulfilled. Often depressive symptoms are found to arise and get acute due to lack of adequate nutrition, especially the vitamins and essential fatty acids. A regular and healthy meal will ensure that there is a consistent flow of energy that stems from nutrition. Check the Sleeping Patterns Ensure that the child has a proper sleep at regular hours. The policy of early to bed and early to rise is a tried and tested one. So it is a good idea to follow it. Too little or too much sleep can cause grogginess, irritability, lack of concentration and interest in daily activities. Regular afternoon napping should be best avoided. Ensure That the Child is Physically Active Regular physical activity is important for a healthy mind and body. It also allays the common symptoms of depression. During stress, the body is in the mode of producing cortisol, the stress-inducing hormones. Regular activity brings in a fall in cortisol production. Physical activity also helps in the release of the feel-good hormones endorphins. You can have a daily routine where the family engages in workout together or a walk to the park or weekend bicycle rides. Finally, check your own actions and behaviour as a parent. You should not practice habits or display behaviours that you do not want your child to follow. Remember that you are an example for your child and she or he takes up cues on how to behave or react to situations from you. So make sure that you are a positive role model.
Are there any tips for parents to manage depression in children? Managing depression requires some changes in the lifestyle of the child. Cases of depression in children will decline, if parents take effective steps. Read on these tips for parents. While studying various cases of
depression in children, it has been observed that the environment plays a big role in most of them. The environment cannot be changed altogether but it can sure be bettered and be made more conducive for the growth of the young mind.
Parents can significantly ensure that the child is able to manage depression by making some simple changes in the lifestyle of the child. Given below are some tips that will ensure that the child is at a better position to manage stress and depression.
Make Sure That the Counsellor is Liked by Your Child
Most parents tend to ignore this aspect but it has been observed that when the counsellor is liked by the patient, the therapy becomes more effective and faster. For managing depression the help of a counsellor becomes imperative at times. So see to it that the child is comfortable interacting with him or her. If the child complains of a certain thing he dislikes in the counsellor, hear him out and if despite your attempts the comfort quotient is negative, change the counsellor.
Involve the Teacher in the Depression Management Programme
Whether you are taking the help of a counsellor or trying to help the child manage depression by your own efforts, make sure that you have a detailed talk on the child’s condition with his teacher as well.
After home, he spends the maximum of his time in the school. The teacher ought to be made aware of the declining mood and/or health of the child and you can also get important inputs regarding behaviour etc. from the teacher as well as she or he has been observing the kid from close quarters and noticing his behavioural changes on different occasions. So analysing and reporting the same to the counsellor becomes easy.
Make Communication Open and Easy
Ensure that the child feels comfortable communicating with you. Be a patient listener to his thoughts and worries, encourage the child to express himself. This enhances the natural bond of love that you share, get a hang of what is exactly troubling the kid and often just talking it out without fear or apprehension helps in managing depression as the cause in no longer bottled up inside the little heart.
Make Sure That the Child has Healthy Meals Throughout the Day
Adequate and a balanced diet can ensure that the daily nutritional requirements are fulfilled. Often depressive symptoms are found to arise and get acute due to lack of adequate nutrition, especially the vitamins and essential fatty acids. A regular and healthy meal will ensure that there is a consistent flow of energy that stems from nutrition.
Check the Sleeping Patterns
Ensure that the child has a proper sleep at regular hours. The policy of early to bed and early to rise is a tried and tested one. So it is a good idea to follow it. Too little or too much sleep can cause grogginess, irritability, lack of concentration and interest in daily activities. Regular afternoon napping should be best avoided.
Ensure That the Child is Physically Active
Regular physical activity is important for a healthy mind and body. It also allays the common symptoms of depression. During stress, the body is in the mode of producing cortisol, the stress-inducing hormones. Regular activity brings in a fall in cortisol production. Physical activity also helps in the release of the feel-good hormones endorphins. You can have a daily routine where the family engages in workout together or a walk to the park or weekend bicycle rides.
Finally, check your own actions and behaviour as a parent. You should not practice habits or display behaviours that you do not want your child to follow. Remember that you are an example for your child and she or he takes up cues on how to behave or react to situations from you. So make sure that you are a positive role model.
