Recognising, changes in a child’s wellbeing can be difficult, which is why it is always good to first check with your GP if you are concerned. Common disorders in young people are depression and anxiety.
Depression is more than just being sad or in a bad mood. These feelings are normal to a degree and it is an absence of positive emotions that is usually an indicator more than an absence of negative emotions. If you mostly feel miserable for more than about two weeks then a visit to your GP is a good first step, especially if you are no longer having as much social contact as you were or withdraw from participating in healthy activities that you enjoy.
Anxiety is worrying about the past or the future, now more than ever we might all be noticing some struggle with anxiety. Worrying about what will come next? who will be affected? Am I doing everything I can to keep everyone safe? You know what, if I am aware, then I am doing everything I can, so I take a deep breath and tell myself, this is something that is in my control, and I let it go.
The organisation Beyond Blue have a checklist for children that may help give an indication about whether your child may be presenting with these conditions.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10
Dianne Kaplan, our Mental Health Practitioner says talking to clients and hearing their worries for the future, so much of it is out of their control, and I don’t have a crystal ball…. The magic 8 ball app on my watch is limited in its responses 😊. It is a time when I can only listen and try and be the ear and the support that they sought me out for as their therapist.
Things I know that can help & supports that are available:
That Mental Health Care plan you once got done, but didn’t use, use it – so many Mental Health Clinicians are practicing via video link or telephone now, don’t forget to look after yourself.