Image from: Why Is This Happening (WITH)
Parents with depressed children can often be conflicted as to what is the most effective way in helping their child overcome depression. Firstly, it is important to understand that mental illnesses cannot be easily fixed as some may believe. In fact, overcoming mental illnesses requires a lot of time and one of the most important ways parents can help is to actively listen and have patience. While professional help may improve the child’s condition, the role of parents in helping their child are equally as important. It is crucial to remember that children coping with depression may be at one of their weakest moments in their lives and it is the responsibility of parents to be supportive of them through this difficult time.
“Start by listening without judgment, not trying to ‘fix’ her”
When you listen with an open mind, it is more likely that your child will open up to you as well about his/her feelings. Active listening not only helps your child know that you are trying to understand his/her emotions instead of focusing on how abnormal their behaviors might be. It also helps strengthen your relationship with your child in the long run.
Take the initiative to invite your child to do things with you or others such as socializing. By encouraging positive behavior, it helps your child overcome things that they find difficult to do at the time.
Try to compliment your child for the positive things they did, even if it might be as simple as going to school. The fact is that everyone likes to be complimented and for a depressed child, this can be especially encouraging for them to feel appreciated.
Offer treatment options for your child while being open to the fact that he/she might not want that at the time. Be patient with your child and let him/her know that you will always be there when he/she is willing to accept treatment and feels committed to it.
Video from: Teen Expert Josh Shipp
The video above helps parents understand more about the different causes behind their child’s depression and ways to help their child overcome this mental illness.
According to the psychologist Stephanie, helpful sentence starters include but are not limited to:
- “It seems as though you’ve been really down lately. Is that true?”
- I know you’re having a hard time, and I have some ideas of things that could help. If you’d like to talk with me about them, let me know. I’m here for you.
- I’m going to the mall to do an errand. Let me know if you want to come with me.”
The following is a list of what you as parents can do in different scenarios to help their depressed child, according to Katie Hurley, a psychotherapy provider for children:
At Home
Supervise child for appropriate usage of medication
Talk to your child about his/her feelings and remember to actively listen
Encourage your child to eat healthy, sleep well, and exercise daily
At School
Children who are struggling with depression while being expected to do well in school can often be stressed out during this difficult time in their lives. It is necessary for parents to talk with their child’s classroom teacher in order to make special accommodations for their child. Suggested accommodations include:
Creating study/ homework schedules
Providing a quiet space for taking tests without distractions
Splitting the workload into smaller pieces that are manageable for the child
Extending time for lengthy assignments/tests
Providing a copy of helpful class notes
Lastly, it is important to remember that while your child is in need of your love and support during this difficult time, you as a parent, also need to take care of your own well-being. The key to your child’s recovery from depression is not overworking yourself, but rather, it is to maintain your own health in order to be able to help your child.
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