Depression
What resources and options to help a child with depression who refuses to go to counseling and take medications.
What should I do to help the child who is depressed keeps missing school and does not want to do homework.
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Hello,
He may have social anxiety, which might have brought on his depression. My granddaughter and my son both have social anxiety and have been going to online school ever since COVID and doing very well at it. It's not home schooling.. it's actually online school with actual teachers. Hope this helps.
@lindasmith1222 You brought up a very good point! I was speaking to one of my specialists a couple of months ago, and he commented how the COVID pandemic affected his two children, both at critical stages of their life. Right on the cusp of moving from elementary school to junior high, and the other from junior high into senior high. All of the sudden they are not interacting physically with peers, nor having the chance to participate in normal activities. It has brought on a rapid and huge increase of mental health issues and concerns for this affected generation. And all at a time when there is already so much changing in their bodies and minds as they get in to puberty!
@ashambean2 This may be a real key to getting to the crux of it all, and a way to look at how your son is doing/how he is dealing with everything!
Ginger
Thank you!
I’m looking for a good therapist. Can someone recommend one? Thank you.
Thank you for your support and encouragement. I’ve been showing him that he’s loved regardless of what the situation is.
That is very important! Unconditional love. You are a good mom! Love get one through the difficult stuff. Life is difficult for everyone.
@ashambean2 Looking for a good therapist can take some effort these days, as they seem to be so busy! What we did recently, was start with who in your area accepts your insurance. Take that list and delete those not taking new patients. If this person is for your son, then you want to focus on someone who has experience with young adults. Look up their background. Get an appointment, even if it is a long way out. Tell them you would like to be on the cancellation list, and take first available.
Meanwhile, continue to show your son love, let him know you are rooting for him and are on his side. Make is as easy as you can for him to open up to you, engage in conversations without reprisal, so he feels comfortable in talking. Let me know what you think of this idea?
Ginger
Here's right out of Mayo site...as you can see you can do a LOT to mitigate other hard-to-control factors
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356013
Lifestyle and home remedies
• Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, be physically active and get plenty of sleep. Consider walking, jogging, swimming, gardening or another activity that you enjoy. Sleeping well is important for both your physical and mental well-being. If you're having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about what you can do.
Yes, I as a 80 y.o. practice this Everyday. More out of feeling good immediately afterwards. Really.
But also "Try to connect with people. Talk with people you trust about how you are feeling." as Mayo site says.
Good luck!
Thank you for your advice!
What makes you think its depression? As a school bus driver I hear stories all the time about bullying, being ostracized, made fun of could be another reason.