How Can Depressed Parents Help Our Children Not Get Depressed

When my son was going through a serious depression, I was very cautious and careful about what I would say. I learned that simply telling him how tomorrow will be better or to look at the brighter side was not the way to help. Instead, I made it a point to convey how much I was worried and to express my love for him. I let him know that I was always there to listen, to hurt with him until hopefully one day the sun would shine.

Engaging with Children to Combat Depression

Engagement is key. More than ever, it's important to do more stuff with the child, such as entertainment activities that put their mind off whatever they are worried about. Try and talk to them more about their day at school and ensure that everything is going well. Make a genuine effort to be there for them and always trust and be proud of them. This is incredibly important.

Creating a Supportive Environment

For depressed parents, it's crucial to be aware of the term and the disease of depression. As the child grows, parents need to be wary of the kind of friends and habits they have, as well as who the child admires and spends most of their time with. It's also essential to understand the child's thought process.

Provide your children with a safe space where they feel like they are treated like friends. A space where they can be forgiven and not reprimanded for any wrong they did, but rather a place where they can easily share their experiences, ask any kind of questions without being punished for it. When such a healthy bond is created, it becomes much easier to help children combat depression if they ever suffer from it. Outside help from a psychiatrist or counselor can also be taken.

Communicating About Depression

In words that they could understand, I would try to convey that depression is real and healthy. Explain that it comes with feelings, but don't get hung up on the negative side. Make them feel loved and part of the family. Make them feel like part of their community.

Ensure they enjoy activities outside of school, maintain a regular sleep routine, eat regular healthy meals, and get some exercise. Avoid trauma and a highly stressful home environment. Ensure they have access to good education and good healthcare.

Understanding the Roots of Depression

Possibly, depression can be genetic or learned behavior. I admire your concern for the child, which means you are a good person. Contact their school counselor and it does not make you a bad parent. It means that even through your own pain, your child still matters.

Think back to a time when you were worried you would take it out on your children when you were going through a hard time. Hand them a phone number for child abuse, and let them know if they ever felt you or anyone else could hurt them, they can call. They are now adults and have shown their own children the same validation. As parents, we are still people, but we can still put them first, and it will, in the end, help your own struggling self-esteem.