All I want for my kid is that they get happy as they grow up and never lose that charm, ever.

 

Every parent wants their kids to be happy and joyful always. Sometimes when our kids seem to be a little sad, we just stop doing all our work and try to make them happy along with understanding why they are sad.
One thing which we know or might not know is that our kids can face anxiety or depression.
Small toddlers face anxiety when they have to stay back in school without their parents. They keep on crying for the first few days so that they can go back to their parents.
In the same way, school-going children can also face anxiety if they are not able to do well in studies and are scolded in school every day.Fear and worries which the child get through various experiences may turn to anxiety or depression.

 

Anxiety in kids

 

Anxiety can develop in kids if they keep fearing and worrying about something for a long time. They can get scared to talk to anybody, be in social places, worry about their future or for something which they are not able to do. Too much anxiety can cause dizziness, shivering, confusion, breathing problems, panic attack etc.

Types of Anxiety

 

1. Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety mostly happens during childhood when they are separated from their parents for the first time due to school. They keep on crying, and they don’t want to be at school. Parents are the only people with whom they want to be, and they also feel safe with them.

2. Social anxiety

Some children do not like to be in social places, or they don’t want to socialise with anybody. Such kids feel safe and good when they are alone, but in between many people they might feel uncomfortable.

3. General anxiety

Continuous worrying about the future or about something in particular can make them anxious and uncomfortable.

 

Depression in kids

 

Sometimes our kids might seem to be sad. If the sadness is for a short duration, it is ok, but if it is for a long duration, it comes under depression. Kids suffering with depression are always sad, and they feel that they are alone. They don’t feel or get joy in doing anything. They might not participate in fun activities and can stop doing activities which they used to enjoy earlier. The continuous feeling of hopelessness or helplessness is a part of depression.

Signs to understand depression:

# Continuous hopelessness.
# Feeling worthless.
# Prolonged sadness.
# Irritation.
# Feeling lonely.
# Not participating in fun activities.
# Avoiding social gatherings.

How to help kids suffering with anxiety or depression

It is very important to attend and understand kids who suffer from these disorders. Such kids, if not treated on time, can move to deep depression which can lead them to attempt suicide.

Consulting a doctor is necessary if such behaviours are discovered in kids. An appointment can also be taken from a counsellor who can talk to the child in regular intervals and can understand and ease them. Mental healthcare providers can also be consulted in such cases. These professionals can suggest some therapy which can be practised at home. Therapies can consist of behavioural therapy or family therapy. They can also suggest some medication if needed.

How to prevent anxiety and depression

 

A child can develop anxiety or depression if they are maltreated, rejected or bullied. But these can be prevented if we can make our child strong from their roots. Ask them to share everything with you or with somebody with whom they can talk out their feelings. Teach them how to bear and understand the psychology of other people, teach them to act when the time is wrong. Teach them life is precious, and we should always be happy.