How to Help Your Child See There’s a Bright Future
Is your child easily irritable? Does your child tend to put themselves down? Has your child withdrawn from friends? Does your child cry easily and finds it hard to soothe?
If you have answered yes to these questions, your child may be experiencing childhood depression.
What is childhood depression?
It is only natural for children to become sad from time. Depression is more than just sad. It is characterised by children having a negative view of themselves, their world and their future. This resulting in feelings of hopelessness: nothing will ever get better, for instance. One in 35 young Australians aged 4-17 experience a depressive disorder1.
If untreated childhood depression could worsen affecting your child’s physical and emotional well-being. Physically, your child is likely to have difficulties concentrating at school, lack energy and motivation, have difficulties sleeping, and lose interest in things that once were enjoyable. Emotionally, your child is likely to see themselves in a negative light, compare themselves to peers and believe they are not worthwhile. Your child is also likely to believe the future is full of gloom.
Our Vida Psychologists can help. Call us on 9328 3636.
References: https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/footer/stats-and-facts
https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-health-conditions-in-children-depression-in-children