Childhood Depression: Signs and Solutions

Live Holistically is a multi-author site.
This post was written by: Carol Webb

Depression or Sadness?
My children frequently came home from school claiming that they were, “Depressed.” On closer examination, they’d had a rotten day at school, forgotten some item of P.E. kit or lost their best pen. These things can be chatted about, sorted out, a new pen purchased, and all is well. Until the next time something happens that they react badly to, and then, yes, they’re depressed all over again.

This is not depression, they are reacting to a situation, a natural response that happens to us all from time to time. Unfortunately they’ve got hold of this word depression from the various media that they indulge in, and then they’re miserable, so it must mean they’re depressed.

Signs of Real Depression
Here is a list of 20 signs to look for which can mean real depression is manifesting in your child’s life:

1. Prolonged sadness
2. Loss of interest in once enjoyed activities
3. Disturbed sleep patterns
4. Low attention span
5. Loss of appetite or craving food
6. Reportedly behaving badly at school
7. Flashes of anger at seemingly small thing
8. Unable to be alone
9. Restlessness
10. Crying Easily
11. Talking about how “bad” or “useless” they are
12. Unable to organise themselves
13. Saying, “No-one likes me”
14. Lack of Energy
15. Playing computer games obseeively
16. Self-harming
17. Drop in school performance
18. Repeatedly complaining of ailments such as stomach aches
19. Mood swings
20. Complaining generally (constantly)

Sourced from Alexandra Massey’s book “Happy Kids.”

Not The Medical Model
This however, is where my solutions differ from medical diagnoses. If you believe that prescription drugs will cure your child from depression, or that there are any short cuts to a change in lifestyle, then this article isn’t for you. My options will never involve anti-depressant drugs.

Energy Stealing
During my long healing career I’ve spoken to many people who are quite definitely depressed. Their lives are lived in a constant state of worry. Nothing is right in their world, and within minutes, if you find yourself in conversation with these people, you are hooked into their belief system. On leaving their company you find yourself, tired, low, unable to take delight in simple things, they have quite simply stolen your energy. Children aren’t any different, they will do the same thing, if you allow them to.

One point to note here. Their behaviour hasn’t just happened, it has been learned. Look at yourself, or members of your family to identify anyone close who has a very poor view of the world. They may have been living in a chronic, but not debilitating, state of depression without anyone ever noticing.

Directed Energy
Susan Blue has written an article on using essential oils for depression, fill the house with the one that you find most uplifting. Use it in aromatherapy burners or as incense. And when the room is filled with this uplifting fragrance, sit yourself and your child down to talk…without distraction. No television, radio, music of any kind. Give your child your full and undivided attention. Look him/her in the eyes, ask them to do the same. You will need to practice this, as we have been taught as a race not to look at anyone directly for more than 3 minutes. You are willingly and lovingly giving your child the energy that they so desperately need.

Eating Without Television
Another article by Susan Blue , with advice on how to eat and drink when there is any sign of depression, is well worth reading and following. This may be a huge lifestyle change for many, and don’t expect your teenager to love you for it, one of their comforts may be the sugar hit from junk food. Again, slowly but surely introduce a new diet. If you are unable to sit around a table to eat, and with small houses this is often the case, do not sit in front of the television. Turn it off. Willingly give your entire attention to what your child may have to say.

Remove The Television
This next solution is probably the toughest one of all. Remove the television from your child’s bedroom. (This will take courage and determination) No ifs or buts, remove it! From the moment your child enters the house the television is drumming away in the background. It is subliminally teaching your child how to behave, conditioning the young ones into a frightened, violent, un-loving and un-healthy world, conditioning them to expect this type of environment, conditioning them by fear. Teaching them to be un-happy. A quote, again from Susan Blue:

The Drama of Trauma and Depression
Unresolved trauma can lead to a variety of clinical symptoms. First there can be sensitivity, flashbacks, hesitation, nervousness, mistrust, mood swings or panic attacks. Further symptoms can develop: digestive disturbances, headaches, jaw tension, chronic fatigue, asthma, urinary problems, back pain and depression.

Depression: A Response
This is a response to an un-safe world. Teenagers are taught by the media to look and talk like adults. They are not, and cannot be adult, they are children, and children thrive in a safe environment. However much they annoy you, try your patience, defy you, shout at you and demand the latest craze in fashion trainers, learn to send love from your heart chakra. This is not an emotion, this is a choice.

Love And Emotion
Love is more often than not confused with the emotion of love. You may say that you love your child, but you don’t like what they do, or even that you don’t like them. They know how you feel, and will respond accordingly. Practice sending out a pink light from the area of your heart, and surrounding them in this light, like a comfort blanket. I promise you that there will be change.