MOTHERHOOD; MY EXPERIENCE!!! PARENTING; DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN 1

Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect the way one feels, acts, and think. It generally results not from one single event but a mix of events.

Depression is not only associated with adults, children can also be depressed. So many things can cause depression in children which can make them feel negative about themselves, their situation, and their future.

However, the fact that a child feels sad does not mean the child is depressed but when the feeling persists and interferes with the child’s schoolwork, normal activities, and relationships with family and friends, it calls for worry.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
1) Feelings of sadness
2) low mood or makes a child lose interest in things that the child previously enjoyed.
3) Feeling of being hopeless, worthless, and guilt
4) Changes in appetite and sleep
5) Feeling of nervousness, restlessness, or tense
6) Trouble in concentrating
7) The child constantly does not think about another thing than the present worry.

Depression can be caused by a combination of things, like; bullying, mental & physical assault, sexual harassment, etc
Depression in children can lead to more serious medical illnesses if not noticed on time and handled properly. The child will withdraw to self and may lose interest in social activities, loss of interest in school, poor academic performance, or a change in appearance. Children may also begin using drugs or alcohol, especially if they are over age 12, and may attempt suicide. Hence, the need to act quickly once it is noticed in our children. One may need to seek the help of professionals.

This is the more reason why as mothers, we have to be very sensitive to our children. This will help us to notice when something is wrong with them. But can we always be sensitive, with our busy schedule, our work, (especially when working 8 am-5 pm), the house chores, our husbands and children…. It’s our responsibility to take care of them all.

How then, do we notice that our children are depressed? How was I able to notice on time when my child was depressed?
How did I handle it quickly, so that it did not affect her?

Watch out for my next episode where I will share with you my experience of depression. How I discovered it quickly and how I handle it.
Bye for now.