By: Sydney Lawniczak
Parents often ask how they can help their child who is dealing with depression. While every child is different and will respond to different approaches, there are five general tips that I always recommend. If you are the parent of a child who is dealing with depression, read on for some advice that may help.
1. Be There for Them
The first and most important thing you can do for your child is to be there for them. Listen to them when they want to talk and offer words of support and encouragement. Never underestimate the power of your presence. Let them know that you love them and that you are there for them, no matter what. This can be a difficult time for both of you but remember that you are in it together!
2. Help Them Find Their Support System
In addition to being there for your child yourself, it is important to help them find their own support system. Helping them seek connection through trusted friends, family members, teachers, coaches, or therapists can show them how important they are, and that they are never alone. They need people they can talk to who will understand and support them. If your child is reluctant to talk to someone outside the family, a therapist who specializes in children or teens may be able to help them become more comfortable discussing their feelings.
3. Be Patient
Dealing with depression can be a slow process, and it may take some time for your child to start seeing improvements. Do not get discouraged if things don’t seem to be moving as quickly as you would like; just keep doing what you know is best and trust that God will work in His own time and in His own way.
4. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
There are many ways to cope with depression, such as exercise, journaling, or spending time outdoors in nature. Help your child find an activity that brings them joy and encourage them to do it on a regular basis; this will help them start managing their depression in a healthy manner. As a parent, you are one of the most important role models in your child's life. Show them how to cope with difficult emotions by modeling these same healthy coping mechanisms yourself. Let them see you journaling, exercising, or spending time with friends and family members who make you happy. When they see how well these things work for you, they will be more likely to want to try them themselves.
5. Seek Professional Help As Necessary
If you have tried all of these things and your child's depression symptoms are still severe, it may be time to seek professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you are concerned about your child's mental health. Remember, you are not alone in this; there are people who can and want to help.
If your child is struggling with depression, know that you are not alone and there are things you can do. These tips may not solve everything overnight, but they will hopefully provide some guidance on how best to support your child. Remember that every situation is different, so what works for one family may not work for another. Just do your best to love and support your child through this challenging time and remind them that God loves and supports them too.
Click here to learn more about helping your child cope with anxiety.
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The team at Christian Counseling of Tampa is trained to offer support in helping your child express themselves through the power of play. We would be happy to offer support from our Tampa, FL based child therapy practice. To start your therapy journey, contact our team to meet with our caring play therapist to learn how we can offer play therapy and a variety of other services in support of you and your child. We are happy to also offer trauma therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, therapy for anxiety, marriage intensives, grief counseling, and therapy for depression. We also offer ART, CBT, EFT, and other services as well. Learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today!