How to Fight Childhood Depression

Childhood depression is more common than most people think. Research estimates that approximately 1 in 30 children suffer from depression symptoms. That number jumps to 1 in 10 when a child enters the teenage years. Depression is typically diagnosed when the child stays in a depressed state for an extended period of time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Find a doctor to get your child evaluated. A pediatrician needs to know the symptoms that your child is experiencing. Depression symptoms include a lack of energy, sad mood for no reason, problems concentrating or suicidal thoughts.
2. Get a referral to a psychiatrist who deals with childhood depression. The psychiatrist can evaluate the child and give you her recommendations for treatment.
3. Go to family therapy with your child. Family and individual therapy, along with medications, may be used to fight depression symptoms.
4. Encourage good behaviors at home. Diet and exercise can help improve your child's mood. Exercise as a family through activities such as long bike rides around the neighborhood.
5. Stay positive in front of your child. Let the child know often that you love him and that you are there for him. Never make the child feel bad about his depressed mood.

Tips & Warnings

• To be considered depression, the child must have displayed symptoms for more than 2 weeks.
• It is important that you fight childhood depression if you expect your child suffers from the condition. Kids with depression are more likely to engage in activities like drug and alcohol abuse and unsafe sex.