Emotions are complicated for everyone, but especially for children. For this reason, it is very important to guide them from a young age in the path of mental health. Teaching them to build emotional intelligence should be one of the main foundations on which parents should base their upbringing. Preventing anxiety and depression will result in a person with a potentially kinder, more lovable, and positive life.
These topics can be difficult to handle; we might find ourselves at a loss for words, embarrassed, or even afraid of triggering an unresolved old trauma. But when we open up with children about this, we might even find ourselves healing a personal wound by trying to offer the help we wish we had received when we needed it most. Many of us found that when we needed this kind of help, the stigma around mental health was at its peak. That’s why these conversations are so important, as they have been gradually erasing the barrier that existed between normality and mental health in recent years.
By starting these conversations early, we are normalizing the feelings and removing any fear or stigma around the subject of mental health and letting them know it is always okay to ask for help.
Why Talking About Depression and Mental Health Matters?
Emotions are complicated for everyone, but especially for children. For this reason, it is very important to guide them from a young age in the path of mental health. Teaching them to build emotional intelligence should be one of the main foundations on which parents should base their upbringing. Preventing anxiety and depression will result in a person with a potentially kinder, more lovable, and positive life.
These topics can be difficult to handle; we might find ourselves at a loss for words, embarrassed, or even afraid of triggering an unresolved old trauma. But when we open up with children about this, we might even find ourselves healing a personal wound by trying to offer the help we wish we had received when we needed it most. Many of us found that when we needed this kind of help, the stigma around mental health was at its peak. That’s why these conversations are so important, as they have been gradually erasing the barrier that existed between normality and mental health in recent years.
Having these regular conversations doesn’t just help reduce stigma; it also makes it easier to catch signs of anxiety or depression before they become more serious. When kids know they can talk to their parents about their feelings without judgment, they’re much more likely to reach out for help when they need it. This openness strengthens the parent-child bond, creating a safe space where kids feel heard and supported. Over time, this foundation of trust helps them navigate life’s ups and downs with more confidence and resilience.
Some tips to start the conversation:
Choose the Right Time and Setting
Find a quiet, relaxed moment when both you and your child are calm. A car ride, during a walk, or while doing an activity they enjoy can provide a non-confrontational space to start the conversation. Avoid forcing the topic but instead ease into it gently.
Use Age-Appropriate Language
Tailor the conversation to your child’s age and understanding. For younger children, using simple terms like “feeling sad for a long time” or “having a hard time feeling happy” can work. For older kids, you can introduce more complex ideas about depression, stress, and anxiety. Books, videos, or stories can also be helpful to explain these concepts in a way they can relate to.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Encourage dialogue by asking open-ended questions like, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “Is there anything that’s been bothering you?” These types of questions can lead to a deeper conversation and show your child that you’re truly interested in understanding how they feel.
Listen Without Judgment
When your child opens up, resist the urge to offer solutions right away. Instead, focus on listening. Validate their feelings by saying things like, “That sounds really hard” or “I’m here for you, no matter what.” Creating a non-judgmental space helps children feel more comfortable sharing their experiences.
Share Your Own Experiences
Sometimes, sharing a personal story about a time you felt sad, stressed, or overwhelmed can help your child feel less alone. It shows them that these feelings are part of the human experience and that it’s okay to talk about them.
Reassure Them That Help is Available
Let your child know that it’s okay to ask for help, whether from you, a teacher, or a mental health professional. You can explain that just like we go to the doctor when we’re sick, it’s important to reach out to experts if we’re feeling mentally unwell. This can normalize seeking help and reduce any stigma around therapy or counseling.
Recognizing the Signs of Depression in Kids
Children, especially younger ones, may not always express their feelings directly. Here are some signs to watch for:
Changes in behavior: Withdrawal from friends or activities they usually enjoy, irritability, or sudden outbursts.
Physical complaints: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained physical symptoms that don’t have a medical cause.
Changes in sleep or appetite: Sleeping too much or too little, changes in eating habits, or loss of interest in food.
Decline in school performance: Trouble concentrating, slipping grades, or lack of interest in school.
Persistent sadness or hopelessness: Seeming down most of the time or expressing feelings of worthlessness.
In conclusion, let’s not assume that everything is fine. Ensuring that our children feel confident in talking to us is essential and non-negotiable. If you believe your child may need help, don’t hesitate to seek it, as you might be addressing an issue that, over time, could snowball into something much bigger. The family should always be a safe space for everyone.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need advice. Our health professionals are trained with both professionalism and empathy to guide you through your process.
