As parents, our biggest priority in life is our children. We often worry if they are happy or sad? Comfortable or not? Satisfied or are in need? And so much more! But most parents main concern is if their child is depressed!
When negative indicators continue to affect interests, social activities, family life or other important aspects in their life – that’s when you should be worried!
Let me list to you a couple of indicators that are a sign if your child may be suffering from depression:
1. Sadness and lethargy:
A child may suffer from despair and inferiority, and may cry easily, and some of them hide their tears conservatively. Children with depression often respond, walk, and speak more slowly, and they may be less fun and active than usual.
2. Lack of attention and resentment:
For example, a child who enjoys exercising regularly may suddenly choose not to engage in such activities. He may turn down a suggestion to participate in things he used to constantly enjoy or complain of boredom.
3. Nervousness and tension:
A depressed child may not be able to sit still or show signs of stress through insomnia, and may appear anxious, panicked and tense.
4. Confusion and depression
The child may become irritable and agitated, and as a result of the disorder that he suffers, he may explode with anger or become moody. A depressed child may become horribly sarcastic about himself, his environment, and his life.
5. The guilt complex and self-harm:
Children with depression may experience obsessive disappointments and perceived mistakes, feel guilt, and assume they are useless. These depressed children may either cause physical harm to themselves or take great risks, and a clear example of these actions is self-harm.
6. Isolation:
The child feels isolated and has no friends or companions.
7. Changes in weight or eating habits
Appetite may increase or decrease in most people with depression. And those who have a habit of craving food may unexpectedly lose interest in eating. Young children may respond in the opposite way to overeating to treat their emotional state.
When these signs last for a short period, it may be a temporary condition of “depression,” but if it lasts for more than two weeks and interferes with daily routine activities and school life, the child may face depression.
Of course one should not depend on what is only written and should seek a psychologist or a psychiatrist when some or most of these signs appear. Also, inquire on what needs to be done to solve the issue.
*The author is a consultant in Public Relations and Personality Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill
Hala Bader al-Humaidhi
