Every parent on the planet wants their child to be happy. But what to do when a child’s happiness seems out of reach because he is very sad and in a bad mood? How to recognize whether it is true sadness or already depression? Family psychologist Marina Gritsay will talk about this. Symptoms of childhood depression Depression can really begin at any age. Preschoolers, elementary school students, and adolescents can experience serious and sometimes dangerous depression, and its symptoms may vary depending on age. In addition, depression can be acquired here and now in connection with some life events of the child, and depression can also be inherited, or, as psychologists say, transgenerationally (from generation to generation, from generation to generation). Therefore, everyone can be susceptible to depression, both an infant and a very adult person. Here are some signs of childhood depression that can already be noticed in children from about 3-4 years of age. Having noticed them, it is important for parents to think and worry about the condition of their child: - irritability or anger; - continuous feeling of sadness, hopelessness, despair, doom, helplessness; - detachment from others; - extreme sensitivity to the refusals of others; - changes in eating behavior - overeating or refusal to eat; - sleep problems - constant drowsiness or inability to sleep; - constant and unreasonable screaming or crying; - difficulty concentrating; - fatigue or lack of vital energy; - decreased activity during children's activities or games at home, with friends or at school; - feeling worthless, worthless, untalented, incapable of anything; - apathy, unwillingness to do anything; - pre-morbid state (as if before a cold); - thoughts of death or suicide. It is sometimes scary for parents to admit that their child may be very depressed and depressed. And at the same time, it is important to take certain measures if these symptoms negatively affect your child, and in no case ignore what is happening, explaining this as age-related changes and optimistically adding: “It’s okay, it will outgrow.” Help for childhood depressionChildren’s helplines. Do not wait and do not try to understand on your own what is happening. Immediately seek professional help and do not self-medicate, especially if the child conveys to you his desire to commit suicide or if you suspect that he is in danger. You can call a helpline, or encourage your child to do it themselves if he does not want to share his experiences with you. Find out more about childhood depression and how to treat it. It is important to educate yourself and your children on the topic of various psychological states of a person, develop your emotional literacy, and upgrade your emotional intelligence. Knowing how a person may be feeling and how to deal with their emotions can be a huge help in preventing depression and mental illness. Attend individual, group, and family sessions with a clinical psychologist. When working with childhood depression, a specialist can use methods of non-directive play therapy, sand therapy, art therapy and other methods, as well as the method of conversation and empathic support when working with adolescents. A child can receive methods of psychological support both in a group and individual form. In addition, it is important to attend several joint sessions where both the parent(s) and the child will be present. Contact a psychiatrist. If the child’s condition is severe enough, the psychologist may refer the child for consultation with a psychiatrist. And in addition to psychological work, the doctor may prescribe medications. It will be important to follow the dosage instructions and not stop taking it.)