Tips on depression and anxiety in children

• Even little children get the blues. If your young child doesn’t seem happy or is acting differently – try and find out what is upsetting them. If nothing seems to work, check at your child health clinic or contact your GP.



• School aged children can be really demanding and irritable. Even if they are driving you mad, be patient and say you think they are worried or unhappy. Under all this stroppiness, there may lie lots of hidden anxieties and unhappiness.



• Don’t demand or expect constant love and affection from your children especially if you are feeling low and your children know it. You could be putting too much of a burden on them and building up layers of guilt and resentment.



• Conflict between couples, divorce and separation can cause a lot of anxiety amongst children of any age. Talk them through what is happening and listen to how they feel. That way you’ll keep their trust and help them deal with change.



• If your family is going through change allow yourself and others in the family to have mixed feelings. Different members of your family may feel differently about the same event. Try to let everyone express how they feel, and remember that feelings can change over time.



• Some children like to have other trusted adults they can talk to, a grandparent, aunt or uncle, a teacher, youth worker or family friend. Don’t feel threatened if they reach out to someone else.



• Remembering the fears and anxieties you felt as a child can help you see what your child might be going through and what reassurance they may need.



• Is there something small you can do to make time for yourself? Make a deal with the kids – a trip to the park in exchange for five minutes peace and quiet. A cup of tea on your own, a hot bath, a chat with your friend.



• You may be feeling isolated, guilty and helpless when trying to comfort your child. You need someone to talk to too – share your feelings with friends, families, partners and other parents – or contact Parentline on 0808 800 2222.



• Trust your own judgment. If you think your child is in need of professional help and you are at all uncomfortable with what is being offered or who is doing the offering, go on looking.



• When trying to get professional help seems an impossible uphill struggle, talking to friends and other members of the family could help you see other ways to ask for help and how you can get heard.