As a mother of many, I have faced many challenges throughout my journey of raising my children. But nothing has been more difficult for me than when I discovered that my middle son, Max, was struggling with depression. He was always a happy-go-lucky kid, but suddenly, his mood changed and he became distant and withdrawn.
I was scared and didn’t know what to do. I felt helpless as I watched my son suffer, and I felt like I had failed as a mother. I felt guilty for not recognizing the signs earlier and for not knowing how to help him.
One day, I decided to take action. I made an appointment with a doctor who specialized in child and adolescent mental health, and it was the best decision I ever made. My son was diagnosed with depression, and he was put on medication and started therapy.
Over the next few months, I learned a lot about depression and how to help my son through it. I realized that I wasn’t alone and that there were other mothers out there who were going through the same thing.
Through my own personal experience and the advice of professionals, I have compiled a list of things that every mother should know when dealing with a child who is struggling with depression.
Firstly, it’s important to educate yourself on depression and its symptoms. Depression is a real illness that affects a person’s mood, thoughts, and behavior. It’s not just a case of being sad or going through a rough patch. Some of the common symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
It’s important to understand that depression is not a sign of weakness or something that a person can just snap out of. It’s an illness that requires proper treatment and support.
The next step is to seek help from a professional. This can be a doctor, therapist, or counselor. They will be able to diagnose your child’s condition and provide the necessary treatment and support.
It’s important to remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. Your child needs your support, and by seeking help, you are showing that you are there for them and that you are willing to do everything you can to help them get better.
In the next part of this three-part series, I will share more tips and advice on how to help your child through their depression and how to be there for them every step of the way.
If you found this helpful or want to know the next steps, you can Read Part 2 here.
