Addressing Childhood Depression
Depression isn’t just an adult issue.Many children experience prolonged sadness, withdrawal, and loss of interest in activities they once loved. During Children’s Mental Health Week, let’s shine a light on childhood depression and how we can support these young lives.
The Pressures They Face
With constant comparisons, societal expectations, and the fear of failure, children often internalise negative feelings. The stigma around mental health can prevent them from speaking out, leaving them to cope in silence.
How We Can Help
- Spot the Signs: Be alert to changes in mood, behaviour, or appetite. Smaller children often complain of physical symptoms like a tummy ache.
- Encourage Professional Support: Normalise seeking help from counsellors or therapists. As parents, we have to accept that we don’t have all the answers, we’ve only been parents for as long as they’ve been children!
- Celebrate Their Worth: Help children see their strengths and value beyond achievements. This is the time that we build them up, there’s an awful lot out there that knocks them down.
Empowering Children
By acknowledging their struggles and showing unwavering support, we empower children to believe in a brighter future. Small acts of kindness and understanding can make a world of difference.
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek #Depression #Anxiety #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Stress
