How Fathers Can Help Their Children Through Depression
This article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
One of the worst feelings as a parent is seeing your child struggling and not being able to help them. In recent years, the number of people living with mental health disorders like depression has grown rapidly. Among the groups most affected by these disorders are children, teens, and young adults.
Although millions of kids struggle with their mental health, parents might not always be confident in their ability to help them. Fathers may find it even harder to help their children, as men have been conditioned to avoid talking about mental health and their feelings.
In this article, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of depression and discuss how fathers can help their kids through the challenges of this serious mental health disorder.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder marked by a persistent low mood and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves and typically interferes with everyday life, making normal functioning difficult.
Symptoms Of Childhood Depression
Symptoms of depression can vary, affecting children and adults in different ways, but the two most common symptoms in both groups are persistent sadness and loss of interest. If your child is experiencing depression, you may also notice some or all of the following signs:
A poor mood: If your bright, happy kid is suddenly sulky, irritable, and sad, it could point to a depressive disorder.
Decreased performance in school or activities: Depression can make it challenging to concentrate, affecting your child’s ability to pay attention during class. Fatigue can also make activities like sports more difficult, and children might lose interest completely in staying involved in their after-school hobbies.
Sleep troubles: Kids with depression might struggle to fall asleep at night and they may want to stay in bed longer than usual.
Withdrawal from friends: If your bubbly, sociable child suddenly doesn’t want to hang out with anyone, consider whether depression could be the cause.
Fatigue or low energy: Depression can affect your child’s energy levels and motivation. Tasks that once seemed simple, such as getting out of bed, brushing their hair, or doing homework may feel nearly impossible.
Hopelessness: Your child might express feeling like things won’t ever improve or say that there’s nothing that can help them feel better.
Appetite changes: Eating too little or too much could be another sign of depression. Kids may feel too badly to eat, or they may overeat to cope with how they’re feeling.
To be diagnosed with a depressive disorder, symptoms must last two weeks or longer. If your child is experiencing any of the signs above, don’t hesitate to find support.
How To Support Your Child Through Depression
With timely intervention and the right support and tools, it is possible to treat childhood depression. Fathers can help their children through depression by taking any of the following steps:
Spend time together: Showing a genuine interest in your child and doing activities with them that they enjoy can help them feel less alone. Whether that means throwing the baseball in the backyard, going to a concert together, or taking them to their favorite restaurant, spending quality time with their dad can boost your child’s mood and help them feel loved.
Perform frequent check-ins: Although it’s important to give your child space, it’s equally as crucial to check in with them to see how they’re doing. Each time you ask them how they’re feeling doesn’t have to be a long conversation, especially if your child doesn’t feel like talking. Simply asking them how they’re doing over dinner or while you drive them to school can keep the two of you on the same page.
Teach them about self-care: Although you’ll still be taking care of your child, it’s also important to teach them to care for themselves. Hobbies, routines, and healthy habits are all considered forms of self-care and can be crucial to physical and mental wellness. Encourage them to stay active, get enough sleep at night, and eat healthy, regular meals. Help them find healthy outlets and ways to cope with their symptoms, such as listening to music or spending time with friends.
Take them to a therapist: A therapist can help your child figure out why they may be feeling depressed. In some cases, there’s no specific cause of depression, while other times its root can be identified. Their therapist may recommend medication, lifestyle changes, or something else to help them feel better. In cases where a child is not responding to treatment, ECT therapy may be used as a last resort. You can learn more about this type of therapy at www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/should-you-try-ect-therapy/
Create a safe home environment: It’s essential to create an environment in which your child feels safe coming to you about their feelings and experiences. To cultivate this type of home, try to listen more than you speak, and avoid passing judgment on whatever your child tells you. Offer compassion, empathy, and support at every opportunity, and remind your child that you’ll always be here for them no matter what.
Treatment for depression can vary, and if your child is living with a chronic form of depression, they may need lifelong support. However, this doesn’t mean that they can’t live a productive life. With proper care, guidance, and support, many children with depression can lead healthy, happy lives and even recover from the disorder completely.
It’s natural to feel responsible for your child’s mental state, but this can be a heavy weight to carry. Remember that depression has many causes, including chemical imbalances in the brain.
While fathers can provide support, professional help is often necessary to treat depression, and getting your child extra assistance doesn’t mean you’re not capable or strong enough to help. Rather, it shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile for your child to make sure they’re taken care of, which is something to be proud of.