Helping Your Child Deal With Depression Susan Wood, M.A., C.Psych. October 19, 2013
Goals of presentation Symptoms/diagnosis of depression Risk factors and causes of depression Treatment and ways parents can help their child who is displaying some depressive symptoms and for those whose child has a diagnosis
Statistics Depression does occur in children. It is estimated that 1 in every 33 children may have depression (from kids.org) In 2009 there were 25 deaths by suicide for children ages 10 to 14 (Statistics Canada). Rates for other years (43 in 2005, 31 in 2006, 33 in 2007, 25 in 2008)
Symptoms and signs of depression in children Children can be sad without having depression. When the sadness becomes persistent or disruptive behaviour occurs that interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, these may be indicators a child is depressed. Depression in children can look different than in adults. Symptoms of depression vary in each child. The primary symptoms of depression revolve around feelings of sadness
Diagnosis Kids with depression describe themselves as feeling hopeless about everything or feeling that nothing is worth the effort. They honestly believe that they are no good, that their world is a difficult place, and that they re helpless to do anything about it. For an accurate diagnosis of depression to be made, a detailed clinical evaluation must be done by a medical or mental health professional (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist)
Major Depressive Disorder Five or more of these symptoms must be present most days for longer than 2 weeks: Feeling sad, hopeless, irritable most of the day An inability to enjoy things that used to bring them pleasure A marked weight gain or loss (or failure to gain weight as expected), and too little or too much interest in eating A significant change in sleep habits
Major Depressive Disorder con t Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt An inability to concentrate Frequent thoughts of death or suicide Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Persistent Depressive Disorder Two more of these symptoms almost all of the time for at least 1 year (2 years for adults). In children & adolescents, mood can be irritable Poor appetite or overeating Significant sleep changes Low energy or fatigue Low self-esteem Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions Feelings of hopelessness
Risk Factors & Causes of Depression As with adults, depression in children can be caused by any combination of factors that relate to physical health, life events, family history, genetic vulnerability, and lowered levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry signals through the nervous system) Can arise from and co-occur with other disorders
Treatment Therapy/counselling For young children usually a family component Lifestyle changes Medication
How parents can help If you think your child might be depressed, do not panic Depression is treatable Start by checking with family doctor to see if a physical cause Important to recognize your own feelings about your child s depression Talk to your child (e.g., are you unhappy? sad? having a hard time? are you having any fun?)
Talk to your child s school to find out if any teachers have also noticed changes in behaviour and mood Schools do have professional counsellors on staff Spend time with your child, be caring, LISTEN well and be understanding. Parents often want to distract their child from negative emotions Validate your child s negative feelings. Don t trivialize or minimize
Avoid being judgemental to help your child open up to you Accentuate the positives be specific Have fun time with your child take time on a regular basis to help your child enjoy pleasurable activities and recreational interests Spend alone time with your child baking, watching a movie, shopping Maintain regular or routine physical activity that is appropriate. Physical activity can help relieve or manage depression
Maintain a regular and nutritional diet. Avoid meal skipping. A proper diet is a critical source of energy and the child s ability to cope and recover Maintain a regular sleep cycle. Avoid sleeping or napping during the day if it is difficult to sleep during regular times. Irregular sleep patterns prolong or worsen symptoms of depression
Sad or depressed children tend to globalize their problems and engage in negative self-talk. Important to help them interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way. This may be addressed through therapy along with other issues that may need to be addressed
Some Cognitive Distortions All or nothing thinking Mind reading Disqualifying the positive Overgeneralization Shoulds Personalization Magnification
Intervene by : Identifying underlying beliefs/assumptions Develop alternative positive explanations (balanced thinking)
Balanced Thinking I m so stupid. I never do things right. Wait a minute. I m feeling frustrated and overgeneralizing again. I do many things right, actually. I can try again and see if things improve
Maintain routines Praise effort Encourage social interaction and activity Have your child be a helper Know what s typical, baseline behaviour Know the signs: listen and observe
Assist with problem-solving and planning Celebrate efforts toward recovery Model and talk about good coping Keep in touch with child s school Although child suicide is rare it does occur. Get help immediately if child is expressing suicidal thoughts
At times, parents may need to remind themselves that it is not laziness causing their child s inability to get out of bed, complete chores or do homework. He or she simply doesn t have the desire or energy Don t take it personally when your efforts appear to be rejected Address caregiver support needs
Resources Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca KidsHealth.org Kidshelpphone.ca Healthymindscanada.ca Hinks-Dellcrest Centre: www.hincksdellcrest.org Mood Disorders Association of Ontario:www.mooddisorders.ca National Institutes of Mental Health (USA):www.nimh.nih.gov