Is your child feeling low and sinking into depression? Is there nothing you can do to help him deal with it? It is important for parents to realise that depression is not like feeling the blues where the simple mood-boosting activities and exercises are enough, but depression is a serious mental condition where you can observe that something is amiss. There are certain things that can increase your risk of depression. Dr. Shazneen Limzerwala, psychotherapist shares a few classic signs that your child might be depressed:
He is lonesome and avoids or reduces social contact.
He stays aloof and does not participate in activities or no longer enjoys or takes any interest in the things he once loved and enjoyed.
The eating habits alter and he eats less or more than his regular diet.
He sleeps less or more than the routine time and often feels insomniac.
He cries often, beyond mood swings.
He engages himself in any activity that reduces the anxiety and obsesses over things like eating or watching movies alone back to back. Here are a few things about depression no one told you.
Dr. Limzerwala suggests some tips for parents, advising how they should handle such a situation where their child is in utter depression and how they should approach it.
She suggests that the parents should first be able to identify that their child is depressed and should be well informed and stay alert.
They should not become anxious and burden the child all the more with the emotions flooding on the child.
They should find a way to express themselves and create an atmosphere where the child can feel comfortable.
They should not panic and act in a calm and composed manner and should start practicing things that help in the situation, like meditation or yoga.
They should act in a way where they directly approach or stem the cause of depression.
Most importantly, keep a healthy and constant communication going so that the child feels he can approach you easily.
Once the parents are able to deal with it, it becomes easier for the child to come to terms with depression and together, the parents and child can work towards treating it. You can also see the 8 ways to lower your risk of depression.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
