22/01/2025
Spotlighting Depression in children: signs, causes and support.
💙 On the Blog 💙
It can be difficult to reconcile that a child might be depressed. Depression is often something we think of as being an ‘adult’ mental health disorder. We can think that it comes later in life when, as adults, life has become more difficult and overwhelming.
😔 But depression is something that is also seen in children and the aim of this blog is to highlight some of the ways you may be able to spot depression and ways that you may be able to support your child.
😔 If you are concerned that your child is depressed, please contact your GP in the first instance. There are a number of charities and organisations that can also help to support you and some of these are signposted at the bottom of this blog.
😔 Just like any mental health disorders, depression has different levels and if we are able to spot the early signs, we may be able to make small changes that can make a difference before it worsens.
What does depression look like in children?
It is a change from their ‘normal’ behaviour. This may include (some but not all) of the following:
☹️ Increased tiredness, lack of energy
☹️ Decreased interest in activities they used to enjoy
☹️ Increased grumpiness, over-reacting emotionally
☹️ Sadness or low-mood that doesn’t lift
☹️ Changes in eating patterns; not having an appetite or wanting to overeat
☹️ Not wanting to spend time with friends or family
☹️ Finding it more difficult to focus or concentrate
☹️ Feeling less confident and less able to make decisions.
☹️ Changes in sleeping; unable to sleep or always wanting to sleep and not wanting to get out of bed
If you are concerned about your child, please take a moment to take a read of our blog. Early intervention is always the best approach.
Head on over to The Parent Pad to read the blog in full to find more information on:
👉 What depression is
👉 Ways to support a child or teen who may feel depressed
👉 Where to go for further help and support
Take a read here: 👇👇👇
https://www.theyouthfairy.com/spotlighting-depression/