If you have a child with depression, it is likely that you have already gone through several consultations with professionals in child and adolescent psychology. With all your confidence, you have put your child in their hands to try to improve emotionally before this horrible and dangerous mental illness: depression. Actually, this is necessary and a person with depression should go to a consultation with a specialist in psychology or psychiatry (depending on the severity).
In addition to this, it is also important to note that a child who has depression can also be helped from home. If you feel that there is nothing to do from home, you are very wrong! Family help is essential in all cases, so from now on you just have to take into account all these points to take care of your child with depression.
Compassion and empathy
It is important that you talk to your child about his feelings with compassion and empathy. Going for a walk, playing board games, or playing something he likes with him can allow your child to relax and express his feelings well. Ask your child questions that require open answers beyond a simple 'yes' or 'no'. This way you can have more meaningful conversations.
Never judge him if he doesn't feel like talking or if he's being honest or open with you. If you judge or criticize him, they will close in on you and will never be sincere for fear of your criticism. Having moments of silence in conversations doesn't have to be a problem, you think that sometimes you need to process your thoughts and emotions during your time together.
Relaxing and anti-stress activities
For younger children there are simple ways for you to help them relax. You can offer play opportunities that they like like painting, playing with play dough, sand, etc. It is important that you think of activities that your child is particularly interested in and that are age appropriate.
It is important that in these activities you put screen time aside. Technology time should be limited but screens will not help your child to be less depressed, rather, quite the opposite. It can often be an outlet that prevents them from opening up more about their feelings and emotions.
Limit screen time
Taking into account the previous point, it is necessary that you limit your child's screen time (television, mobile, tablet, computer, video games, etc). Any electronic device that appears to impede your child's face-to-face interactions should be limited. Children who have higher levels of screen time are at higher risk for anxiety and depression.
You'd better provide her with alternative activities to replace screen time, such as going on a hike, doing crafts, drawing, building, riding a bike and / or playing outside, etc. Some children may be so dependent on their screen time as a source of entertainment They may need you to participate in alternative activities alongside them to get involved in the activities.
There is no use telling your child with depression: 'go out and play'. If he has no friends or is used to sitting down and playing video games every day after school, he just won't do what you're asking him to do. He needs me to do it with him. Go out with your child and walk in nature or Take him to see a movie at the cinema or participate in alternative activities.
Help your child with difficult problems
Your child needs your help to break homework into smaller, more manageable chunks. Children with depression often have a hard time taking on big problems and tasks and find them overwhelming. Help them by dividing the task into smaller, more manageable tasks will help boost your confidence when they master the small tasks.
Small mastered tasks lead to larger tasks that are mastered over time. It is a process over time, which needs patience and a willingness to improve. This does not mean that you have to do things for your child, you must teach him to do it. Just help him understand that what he sees so big can be broken down into other smaller things to start dealing with it.
Home with a warm and positive atmosphere
Reduce or eliminate negative attitudes, language, and conversations that are not positive. Also avoid raising your voice, passive aggressive behaviors, and any form of physical violence in the home.
Make your home a safe haven for your child rather than an atmosphere that is always volatile (in words, emotions, or physically). Make it a quiet environment that makes your child feel safe, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
See the bright side and encourage your good emotions
Point out the positives in situations rather than the negatives. Help them see the bright side of any situation. You must be a role model who sees the positive in life when you speak, in your words and in your actions. Resist the urge to express your negative thoughts when they come to mind. as your child can feed his emotions and learn from your words.
Similarly, it is important that you help your child talk about how he is feeling and that you respect these feelings. Listen to what they say to you patiently and take all their words seriously. Don't discount or minimize their feelings. Express empathy and compassion when he expresses what he feels to you. Help him use 'I feel' affirmations when expressing his emotions.
It is also important that you make time during the day, every day, to spend quality time with your child. It may be a limited time, but at least 20 minutes a day will have to be in full concentration with your child, leaving the mobile phone and any other task or distraction completely aside.
Your child needs you to be a good example, to teach him to lead a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle. Talk about any subject without fear, without being open about it. In the face of any obstacle, always look for solutions ... your child needs you more than ever.