Similar to anxiety, depression can begin at a young age. These behaviors can often be written off as trouble-making tendencies, as they include disinterest, inattention, and lethargy. As we progress through this season of physical distancing and remote learning, you may notice similar behaviors in your child. If these behaviors are persistent, they may be experiencing depression.

Examples of behaviors often seen in children with depression include-

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable
• Not wanting to do, or enjoy doing, fun things
• Social withdrawal - self-isolation
• Increased sensitivity to rejection
• Showing changes in eating patterns – eating a lot more or a lot less than usual
• Showing changes in sleep patterns – sleeping a lot more or a lot less than normal
• Showing changes in energy – being tired and sluggish or tense and restless • Having a hard time paying attention
• Feeling worthless, useless, or guilty
• Showing self-injury and self-destructive behavior
 

It is important to understand that most children will experience moments of moodiness, sadness, and agitation as a normal part of their development. Additionally, self-harm in young students is also a form of coping with both anxiety and depression but does not always indicate suicide as a possibility. In extreme cases, depression that goes unaddressed may potentially lead to suicidal ideation or suicide. The point is not to incite fear or anxiety, but to address that suicide attempts are known to occur in children as young as age 10 and is the second leading cause of death among students ages 15-24. Knowing this, you can move forward informed and ready to address whatever needs your child may have. No matter the extremity of your child’s case, depression is best addressed with health care professionals. We invite you to utilize the resources we have cited previously, take advantage of the connections listed below, and/or contact MVC for pastoral care. For additional help, there are care cards available via the church.

For additional resources, please visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Youth.gov
Child Mind Institute

Remember that God’s got this and we are in this together. Grace and peace to you.

#WeAreFamilyMVC