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Although most cases of depression occur in adults, approximately 3% of children from ages three to 17 have also been diagnosed with this often debilitating mental disorder. If you suspect your child is dealing with depression, having an open, honest discussion with them is the first step in seeking the mental health services they need. The guide below will help you open a productive dialogue with your child about depression.

A Guide to Discussing Depression With Children

1. Consult Your Partner

Before you sit your child down, it is important to ensure that you and your partner are on the same page. Discuss the signs of depression you have noted and see if they have similar concerns. Try to plan out how you want to approach the topic with your child and work as a team to build them a united front of support.

2. Use Age-Appropriate Language

Depending on your child’s age, they may not be familiar with the concept of depression. Adjust your language in a way they will understand. For example, if you are speaking with a younger child, you can relate it to a topic they recognize. Compare depression to the feeling they got when they lost a pet or relative, or when they came down with a sickness like the flu.

3. Show Compassion

depressionDepression is an immensely challenging condition to battle, and it can be especially scary for kids that are new to the concept. Be compassionate throughout the conversation, listen to your child’s fears and concerns, and emphasize that their feelings are valid. By avoiding dismissive comments and respecting their feelings, you’re letting them know that you are here to help and support them.

4. Be Honest

As parents, sometimes you might be tempted to hide the truth in order to protect your child’s feelings. However, this is a conversation where complete honesty is a necessity. Answer your child’s questions to the best of your ability, but don’t go into details you don’t understand yourself. Write any unanswered questions down to ask a mental health professional later.

5. Eliminate the Stigma

Even though mainstream knowledge and understanding of depression have improved immensely in recent years, there is still a stigma surrounding it. The false belief that depression is caused by weakness can prevent individuals from seeking or accepting treatment, so it is important for parents to eliminate these negative perceptions early on. Do your research and educate your child, reassure them that it’s not their fault, and emphasize the benefits of getting professional help.

 

Depression can be a heavy and frightening topic for children, but they aren’t alone. With your help, the mental health professionals at Lexington Family Physicians in Lexington, NC, will provide your child with effective and compassionate treatment. This qualified team of physicians is committed to providing a wide range of health services for every member of the family, from physical exams to nervous disorders. For more information about their practice, visit them online. Call (336) 249-3329 to schedule an appointment.

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