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Summer is heating up in Colorado and school vacation is in full bloom! Many children enjoy getting outside this time of year to ride bikes, swim or play with friends. Lots of kids take advantage of summer camps or join sports teams to stay active and social over the break. But those youth suffering from depression might find the heat too oppressive to be outside. Perhaps the thought of contacting their friends is too overwhelming. Even vacations with family may be taxing for a child struggling with depression.
So what is a parent to do with an unmotivated, depressed child over the summer break? Here are three tips: 1. Create a schedule Many children rely on their school schedule to keep them going. When summer rolls around, many kids find it difficult to get motivated without a set routine. Mark the calendar with trips, camps, and appointments. Keep track of daily chores. Mark play dates or visits with friends. Set the calendar in a visible location and encourage your child check it daily. 2. Invite a friend Although depressed youth may say that they don't want to be on a team or visit a friend, studies show that once they are in a social situation, they tend to join in and have a good time. Ask your child who he/she would like to hang out with and schedule a date with that person. If your child doesn't want to leave home, invite the friend over for the day or for a sleep-over. Encouraging your child to be social is the goal. 3. Plan fun activities Keeping busy is a great way to combat depression. Find out about local camps, clubs and activities, or create your own with your child's friends or neighbors. Ask your child for suggestions, so he/she feels empowered in the decision-making. Plan at least one activity a week (and mark it on the calendar!) so your child has something to look forward to. Depression in children can be frustrating and difficult to manage, but these tips along with healthy nutrition, sleep, exercise and emotional support can help combat the summertime blues. Many adolescents journey through an identity crisis of sorts in their early teens, but how do you know if your child is experiencing teen angst or diagnosable depression?
One in five young people have at least one mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges. One in ten youth have challenges that are severe enough to impair how they function at home, school, or in the community. And unbelievably, four out of five children do not receive the mental health care they need to overcome their diagnosis. With suicide being the 3rd leading cause of death in adolescents, it’s important to know the signs of depression and be ready to help. Etiology of Depression Depression tends to run in families, and adolescents who experience depression have a greater risk for depression in adulthood. Adolescent depression can lead to social problems at home and school, academic failure, self-injury, substance abuse and suicide. Warning Signs for Depression: • Unusual sadness, irritability, or acting out • Losing interest in things previously enjoyed • Changes in appetite or weight • Major shifts in sleep patterns (especially sleeping more) • Lethargy or decreased energy • Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt • Diminished academic performance • Increased use of alcohol or drugs • Aches and pains with no physical explanation Early detection and intervention strategies for mental health issues improve children’s resilience and ability to succeed. Adolescents enrolled in mental health treatment (whether at school or privately) show less oppositional behavior, less aggressive behavior, and are less likely to require special education services. Counseling can be individual or it can include the family, depending on the situation. How to Help · Acknowledge your child’s struggles and offer to help however he/she would like. Adolescents are at the developmental stage where they want to assert control. Be a supportive and understanding adult in his/her life. · Find a mental health provider who is sensitive to adolescents’ development and needs. Not all mental health counselors enjoy working with youth. Ask questions on the phone or in person about the therapist’s comfort and experience with adolescents. · Encourage your child to maintain his/her social engagements (sports, church, arts, music groups, etc.). Studies show that even if adolescents don’t want to attend a social event, they often end up enjoying it once they’re there. Social activities help to physiologically and mentally reduce depression. |
Andrea's BlogMoving You Forward! Archives
April 2020
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