When parents decide to separate or get a divorce, it can be a difficult and emotional process for everyone involved. Not only does it impact the parents, but it also has a significant effect on any children in the family. This effect can greatly increase if there is a custody battle involved. Or even just conflict between the parents during the separation and divorce process.

Children don't have the capacity to express how they feel and often don't understand what is happening, leading to a build-up of negative emotions that can manifest in various ways. They may start to withdraw or even become more aggressive. Parents need to be aware of the impact their separation and divorce has on their children. What is happening between their parents can also affect how children develop emotionally and socially. Understanding how separation and divorce can affect not only the adults, but the children involved, is crucial in providing support and guidance with child anxiety therapy during this challenging time.

The Impact of Divorce on Children

Children may experience a range of emotions when their parents separate or divorce. These emotions can include sadness, anger, confusion, and even guilt. They may also feel a sense of abandonment or fear that their parents will stop loving them. These emotions can manifest in different ways. Depending on the child's age and personality. Younger children may struggle with adjusting to new routines. Acting out in response to the changes happening in their families. Older children may internalize their emotions and become withdrawn or rebellious.

Children do not have the capacity to understand the complexities of adult relationships. Which can lead to behavioral changes and difficulties in school. They may have trouble concentrating, experience a decline in academic performance, or even display physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches. They may even begin to have issues falling or staying asleep due to the stress and worry they are feeling.

Divorce and Separation Makes Children's Brains Go Into Defense Mode

The impact of divorce and separation on children can go beyond emotional changes. It can affect the way their brains develop. When a child is exposed to conflict between their parents, their brain goes into defense mode. This can make it harder for them to connect and be open with others. Leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships. It can also lead to behavioral issues and affect their ability to regulate emotions.

This is when therapy can be particularly beneficial for children going through a divorce or separation. It provides a safe space for them to express their emotions. Learning coping strategies to deal with the changes happening in their lives. It also helps them develop healthy communication and problem-solving skills. Which can have long-term benefits.

How Divorce Affects the Adults Involved

Divorce and separation affect children due to the changes and stress it brings to their lives. However, their parents are also impacted. Their well-being is essential in providing a stable and supportive environment for the children. When going through a divorce, adults may experience depression and anxiety. Which can affect their ability to parent effectively. This is a huge loss that is hard to experience and go through while functioning as a provider and parent at the same time.

Divorce and separation can also have financial implications. Which can add to the stress and emotional toll on both parents. But also affect the children's quality of life. Having to adjust to a new living situation, possibly moving houses and schools, can be challenging for both adults and children. Leading to feelings of instability and uncertainty. Which can be difficult to cope with.

When Adults Seek Help, Children Benefit Too

Seeking help and support during this difficult time is crucial for adults and children. Anxiety therapy in Denver, CO, can provide a safe and confidential space to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and learn practical communication skills. EMDR starts helping at the beginning stage, giving resources to regulate and enhance their sense of emotional safety.

However, using EMDR to address anxiety and depression can help enhance strengths, process daily triggers, and eventually process complex events from childhood. This can be especially beneficial for adults going through a divorce or separation, helping them manage their emotions and continue to parent their children effectively. When adults care for themselves, they are better equipped to support their children during this challenging time. Using guided imagery with EMDR can help parents reduce stress and connect with positive resources. This allows them to find time and give themselves space to let their emotions come and go without getting stuck. So they can express their thoughts and feelings about the current situation with their partner and children.

Child Therapy Can Provide Support and Healing

Divorce, separation, or even just conflict between parents can have a significant impact on children's emotional and social development. Children often grapple with intense emotions that they may not know how to express, leading to behavioral changes and difficulties in school. Seeking help with child therapy in Denver, CO, can provide a supportive environment for children to express their feelings and learn healthy ways to cope with the changes in their lives. Child therapy can help them process negative beliefs that are created due to the divorce. These can be thoughts like "My dad is leaving, and I’m not important anymore to him.", “Things are gonna fall apart,” "I’m all alone.", "I’m unworthy of love.", and "It’s my fault my parents are separating." By processing these beliefs, children can develop a healthier sense of self and understand that the divorce is not their fault or a reflection of their worth. They can learn coping skills to manage emotions and maintain healthy relationships with both parents through therapy.

Child therapy in Denver, CO can create a sanctuary where children are encouraged to express themselves in natural ways. Be it through sand tray exercises, puppet play, or drawings. This approach not only aids in unpacking their emotional world but also in rewriting the narratives they've constructed about their worth and their family's changes. By involving parents or caregivers directly in these sessions, we facilitate a delicate process of reconnecting but also redefining the child's story to include both the challenges and the triumphs. All are framed by their own perceptions and experiences as well as those of their family members.

Pairing Child Therapy and EMDR

Utilizing tools like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) adapted for children can aid in processing the trauma and emotions surrounding the divorce or separation. EMDR is a powerful therapeutic approach that targets negative beliefs and memories that have caused distress and works to reprocess them into healthy ones. Pairing child therapy with EMDR incorporates gentle eye movements or tactile buzzers to help process and integrate these experiences. It can also help heal the child's relationship with their parents and help them develop more adaptive coping strategies. Incorporating joint sessions for the child and their parent or caregiver can also aid in rebuilding trust, connection, and communication within the family unit.

Moreover, psychoeducation for parents can help them understand how divorce and their actions impact their children's emotional well-being. This can lead to more understanding and empathetic interactions between parents and children. Facilitating healing and growth for the entire family. Both adults and children need to seek support during a divorce or separation. As it not only helps them cope with the changes but also promotes overall mental health and well-being in the long run.

What Can You Do?

You may wonder what you can do to support yourself, your children, or even your partner during a divorce or separation. Here are some tips:

Strengthening Your Support System

When going through tough times like divorce or separation, don't forget to lean on your loved ones for some extra emotional support. Surround yourself with folks who get what you're going through. Let their love and understanding help you heal. Try doing fun things together, like taking a stroll in the park or enjoying social activities. Nature walks or hikes can also be a great way to remind yourself of the beauty in life. These moments not only offer a break from the hurt but also help you build up your strength and optimism.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is not just important—it's essential. Doing simple self-care stuff such as treating yourself to a massage, working out, or tuning in to some positive podcasts, is necessary. Self-care helps you replenish your emotional reserves. So that you can continue to be there for yourself and others during this difficult time. These activities give you a chance to recharge your batteries. Improving your overall well-being.

Seeking Professional Support

Sometimes, the support of friends, engaging in positive activities, and self-care might not feel sufficient to traverse the complexities of your emotions during this time. Seeking anxiety therapy or joining support groups can offer additional layers of healing. Therapists who specialize in divorce and child therapy can provide the professional insight and tools needed to process your emotions healthily and constructively. Support groups offer a sense of community, allowing you to share your experiences with others who can truly empathize with your situation because they are or have been in the same boat.

Child Anxiety Therapy in Denver, CO is Here for You, Every Step of the Way

Anxiety disorders affect millions of individuals worldwide, transcending age, gender, and background. These conditions can manifest in various forms, from generalized anxiety disorder to panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias. The prevalence of anxiety disorders underscores the importance of addressing these conditions effectively. Living with anxiety can be debilitating, impacting every aspect of one's life, from personal relationships to professional pursuits. It's not merely a fleeting feeling of nervousness or worry but a pervasive and often overwhelming sense of fear and apprehension that can disrupt daily functioning.

Embarking on the journey to healing from anxiety is a courageous step toward reclaiming control and finding peace within oneself. Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to confront and navigate the challenges posed by anxiety disorders. The journey to healing is not linear; it's a deeply personal and individualized process that requires patience, commitment, and collaboration between the individual and their therapist. Each session serves as a stepping stone toward understanding, coping with, and ultimately overcoming anxiety.

What are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders cover a range of conditions where people feel excessive fear, worry, or nervousness. There are different types, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias. Each comes with its own set of symptoms and challenges. GAD involves worrying too much about various things and often leads to physical symptoms like muscle tension or feeling tired. 

Panic disorder brings sudden and intense fear, known as panic attacks. Social anxiety makes people fear social situations and interactions, sometimes avoiding them altogether. Specific phobias involve irrational fears of specific things, like heights or spiders. Anxiety disorders affect a lot of people worldwide and can happen at any age. They often go along with other mental health issues like depression or substance abuse.

Anxiety Disorders are Caused By a Mix of Things

Anxiety can be caused by different factors including biology, psychology, and environment. Biological factors might be genetic traits, chemical imbalances in the brain, or changes in brain structure. Psychological factors include past traumas, negative thinking patterns, and unhealthy ways of dealing with stress. Environmental factors like difficult life events, ongoing stress, or big changes can also play a role.

Understanding these factors helps tailor a treatment that gets to the root of anxiety issues and supports long-term recovery. Anxiety can mess with a person's life in many ways. It can make it hard to focus, make decisions, or get along with others. People with anxiety may have trouble sleeping, eating, or staying healthy. The constant worry and stress can wear them out, leading to exhaustion and other health problems. Recognizing these effects is important for knowing when to seek help and finding ways to cope with anxiety for a better quality of life.

How Can Anxiety Therapy Help?

Therapy can be a game-changer when it comes to dealing with anxiety. It provides a safe space to talk about your worries and fears without judgment. With the guidance of a trained therapist, you can learn effective coping strategies to manage anxiety and regain control of your life. Therapy isn't just about talking. It's about learning practical skills to tackle anxiety head-on. 

Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you challenge negative thoughts and behaviors that fuel anxiety. Exposure therapy can gradually desensitize you to the things that trigger your fears, helping you confront them with confidence. Overall, therapy offers a roadmap to recovery, empowering you to build resilience, develop healthier habits, and live a more fulfilling life, free from the grip of anxiety.

There are a lot of Myths and Misconceptions About Therapy for Anxiety 

These myths and misconceptions that society holds can hold people back from seeking help. One common myth is that therapy is only for people with severe mental illness. The truth is, that therapy is for anyone struggling with anxiety, no matter how mild or severe. Another myth is that therapy is just about talking endlessly about your problems without seeing any real progress.

 In reality, therapy is a collaborative process focused on practical solutions and measurable outcomes. You and your therapist work together to set goals, track your progress, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. When it comes to anxiety, seeking professional help is crucial. While friends and family can offer support, trained therapists have the expertise and tools to guide you through the process of recovery. Therapists provide a non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of being misunderstood. They offer evidence-based treatments tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the most effective care possible.

What to Expect in Anxiety Therapy Sessions

In anxiety therapy, one of the first steps is establishing a trusting and supportive relationship between you and your therapist. This relationship is built on a foundation of trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect. Confidentiality is key in therapy. What you discuss with your therapist stays between the two of you, creating a safe space where you can open up without fear of judgment or repercussions. Building rapport with your therapist involves getting to know each other, sharing your concerns and goals, and working collaboratively towards healing.

Your therapist is there to support you every step of the way, offering empathy, validation, and guidance as you navigate the challenges of anxiety. Together, you'll develop a strong alliance that serves as the cornerstone of your therapeutic journey. Anxiety therapy begins with a thorough assessment of your individual needs, strengths, and challenges. Your therapist will take the time to understand your unique experiences, symptoms, and goals for treatment.

Personalizing Your Treatment Plan

Through this assessment process, you and your therapist will work together to identify specific areas of focus and set achievable goals for therapy. These goals may include reducing anxiety symptoms, improving coping skills, enhancing self-esteem, or addressing underlying issues contributing to anxiety. Goal-setting in therapy provides a roadmap for your treatment, guiding the direction of sessions and measuring progress along the way. Your therapist will regularly revisit these goals with you to ensure they remain relevant and meaningful throughout your therapeutic journey.

Anxiety therapy encompasses a range of evidence-based approaches designed to address the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors underlying anxiety. One of the most common and effective modalities is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and developing healthy coping strategies. Exposure therapy is another effective technique used to gradually confront fears and anxieties in a controlled environment, helping you build confidence and resilience over time. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can also be incorporated into therapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Strategies and Techniques for Managing Anxiety

Cognitive restructuring is a powerful technique used in anxiety therapy to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. The first step is becoming aware of these automatic thoughts, which often involve catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, or assuming the worst-case scenario. Once identified, you'll work with your therapist to examine the evidence supporting these thoughts and explore more balanced or realistic perspectives. By reframing negative beliefs and replacing them with more adaptive thoughts, you can reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

Relaxation and Mindfulness

Relaxation and mindfulness exercises are invaluable tools for managing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help you release tension, slow down racing thoughts, and cultivate a greater sense of inner peace. 

Mindfulness practices involve paying attention to the present moment with openness and acceptance, without judgment or attachment to thoughts or feelings. By practicing mindfulness regularly, you can develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation skills, making it easier to cope with anxiety and stress.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a proven technique for overcoming specific fears and phobias. This is done by gradually exposing yourself to anxiety-provoking situations or triggers in a controlled and systematic way. The goal is to desensitize yourself to these triggers over time, reducing fear and building resilience. Your therapist will work with you to create a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking situations, starting with those that evoke mild anxiety and gradually progressing to more challenging scenarios. 

By facing your fears in a safe and supportive environment, you can learn that you're capable of coping with anxiety and develop greater confidence in your ability to handle stressful situations. These strategies and techniques for managing anxiety are just a few examples of the tools available in therapy. By incorporating these practices into your daily life and working closely with your therapist, you can develop a personalized toolkit for effectively managing anxiety and reclaiming control over your mental health.

Amidst the challenges of anxiety, there is hope for healing and empowerment through therapy. Anxiety therapy offers a beacon of light for those navigating the complexities of anxiety disorders, providing a supportive and empowering environment for growth and transformation. Through therapy, individuals can cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and reclaim control over their lives. Each therapy session is an opportunity to explore new insights, challenge limiting beliefs, and build a foundation for lasting change.No matter how overwhelming anxiety may seem, it's important to remember that recovery is possible. 

Anxiety is a common experience for many, impacting individuals of all backgrounds and ages. Its effects can be far-reaching, disrupting daily life and hindering personal growth. By acknowledging the prevalence and impact of anxiety, we can better understand its significance and the need for effective treatment. Understanding anxiety starts with recognizing its symptoms and triggers. From persistent worry and fear to physical sensations like rapid heartbeat and tense muscles, anxiety can manifest in various ways.

 By exploring these symptoms and triggers, you can gain insights into your unique experiences with anxiety. Therapy offers a practical approach to managing anxiety, providing a supportive environment for individuals to address their concerns. However, stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health often deter people from seeking help. By dispelling these myths and promoting therapy as a viable solution, we aim to empower individuals like you to take proactive steps toward finding relief from anxiety.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders come in various forms, each characterized by distinct symptoms. From generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to panic disorder and social anxiety, these conditions can affect individuals differently. Common symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and physical manifestations like muscle tension or racing heartbeat. The origins of anxiety are multifaceted, influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Biological factors may include genetic predispositions or imbalances in brain chemistry. Psychological factors such as past trauma, negative thinking patterns, or chronic stress can also contribute to the development of anxiety. 

Additionally, environmental stressors like significant life changes or ongoing challenges can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Understanding personal triggers is important for managing anxiety effectively. Triggers can vary widely from person to person and may include specific situations, thoughts, or memories that evoke fear or distress. But by identifying these triggers, you can develop coping strategies.

The Role of Therapy in Anxiety Management

Seeking professional help through therapy plays a crucial role in effectively managing anxiety. Therapists provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to anxiety. With the guidance of a trained professional, you can learn coping skills, gain insights into your triggers, and develop strategies to navigate anxiety more effectively. Therapy offers a non-judgmental space to address underlying issues contributing to anxiety and empowers you to take control of your mental health and well-being.

Various therapy approaches have proven effective in treating anxiety disorders.

IFS therapy involves getting to know your protective parts, understanding their roles, and developing self-leadership. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a widely used and evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and processing negative beliefs, emotions, and sensations associated with anxiety through bilateral stimulation. 

Other therapies, such as mindfulness-based interventions or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), may also be beneficial in managing anxiety symptoms. The choice of therapy depends on your individual needs and preferences, and therapists often tailor treatment plans to suit each client best.

Tailoring Treatment to Your Needs

One of therapy's strengths is its ability to be tailored to your individual needs. Therapists work collaboratively with you to develop personalized treatment plans that address your specific symptoms, challenges, and goals. Through ongoing assessment and feedback, therapy plans can be adjusted to accommodate progress and changes in your circumstances. By customizing therapy plans, therapists ensure that you receive the most effective and relevant interventions to support your journey toward anxiety management and recovery.

An important part of anxiety therapy is establishing a trusting relationship between the therapist and you. The therapist strives to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts, emotions, and concerns without judgment. Therapists foster a strong bond with their clients through active listening, empathy, and genuine understanding, laying the foundation for effective therapy outcomes.

Setting Clear Goals and Expectations

This is another important aspect of anxiety therapy sessions. Together, the therapist and you collaborate to define what success looks like and identify specific objectives to work towards during therapy. Whether it's reducing anxiety symptoms, improving coping skills, or enhancing overall well-being, having concrete goals provides direction and motivation for the therapeutic journey.

Anxiety therapy sessions offer a space to explore various techniques and strategies for managing anxiety effectively. Therapists introduce evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and exposure therapy to help you develop coping skills and resilience. Through experiential exercises, role-playing, and homework assignments, you learn practical tools you can apply in your daily life to navigate anxiety more skillfully.

How to Manage Your Anxiety

1. IFS Therapy: This therapy helps you understand your protective parts, such as anxiety, its role in your life, and how to restore balance to your internal world. 

2. Relaxation and Mindfulness Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and body scans can reduce stress and improve emotional self-regulation.

3. EMDR Therapy: Through bilateral stimulation, it helps connect the emotional hemisphere of the brain with the rational hemisphere. In this way, we process stressful or traumatic events and negative beliefs, and it helps us let them go.

Addressing Common Roadblocks: Resistance, Setbacks, and Relapse

In therapy, it's common to encounter roadblocks such as resistance, setbacks, and relapse. Resistance may manifest as reluctance to engage in therapy or resistance to change. Setbacks and relapse are natural parts of the healing process, where you may experience a return of symptoms or difficulties in maintaining progress. By addressing these roadblocks openly and compassionately, therapists and you can work together to explore underlying issues, identify coping strategies, and develop resilience in the face of challenges.

Therapists and you collaborate to identify strategies for navigating challenges and maintaining momentum in therapy. These strategies may include setting realistic expectations, practicing self-care, seeking support from loved ones, and adjusting treatment plans as needed. By fostering a growth mindset and embracing the process of learning and growth, you can overcome treatment hurdles with determination and resilience.

Seeking help is the first step towards finding relief from anxiety. By reaching out for support and guidance, you can begin your journey toward healing and reclaiming control over your life. Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore and address anxiety, providing you with the tools and resources you need to navigate your challenges with resilience and strength.

Parents or primary caregivers typically want the same thing. They want their child to be safe, healthy, and happy.

Caregivers will try to keep their children safe and shield them from any potential threats or dangers for as long as possible. It’s a little easier to do this when they’re younger because they never leave your sight. But as they grow older, they have to attend daycare or school, visit family and friends’ houses, and learn skills on their own that you won’t be there for.

But you can’t protect your child from everything. Certain situations, events, and conditions will happen, no matter how hard you try to limit these types of interactions. Anxiety is one of those things. You can’t prevent your child from developing anxiety. It doesn’t make you a bad parent if your child is struggling with any type of mental health condition.

This is how to recognize the signs and know when it’s time to be concerned about your child with anxiety.

The Signs and Symptoms

If you suspect that your child is struggling with anxiety or if they’ve already been diagnosed, you want to make sure that they’re able to manage those signs and symptoms so that they don’t become worse. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms so you can better advocate for your child:

• Change in eating habits

• Clinging to a loved one

• Constantly worrying

• Crying

• Difficulty concentrating

• Digestive issues

• Frequent outbursts

• Irritability

• Negative thoughts

• Sleeping problems

When You Should Seek Additional Support

Seeing your child struggling isn’t easy for any parent. If your child is struggling with anxiety, it’s important to recognize the signs so you know when your concern for them means they may need additional support. Here are some of the signs that you should consider reaching out to a mental health professional for your child’s anxiety:

Their Anxiety Isn’t Getting Better

Anxiety is a common and normal emotion that most people will deal with at some point throughout their lives. If the anxiety stays with your child and doesn’t seem to get any better, it’s a good sign that you should reach out for additional support.

Anxiety is an emotion that should come and go depending on your child’s day to day. Some events or situations during their day may make them anxious, but if that anxiety is persistent and your child can’t seem to shake it, a licensed mental health professional may be needed to help your child better manage their signs and symptoms.

Their Anxiety Is Interfering with Their Life

When anxiety starts to take control, it can negatively affect different areas of a person’s life. If you’re noticing that your child is struggling with their school work, friendships, or home life, it could mean that anxiety is starting to interfere with their daily life and routine.

It’s Starting to Impact Their Development

The developmental years are extremely important, especially in younger children. This is the time that your child is developing from the inside out. They’re growing and developing their own skills, strengths, personality, and more. Anxiety can get in the way of your child’s developmental years and actually delay their development. It can cause issues with their ability to learn, make friendships, grow, and their own self-confidence.

Next Steps

It’s important to remember that a child with anxiety doesn’t make you a bad parent or caregiver. Reaching out for help also doesn’t mean that you’re unfit to parent. Sometimes reaching out for help can be one of the strongest things you can do for you and your child. A mental health professional will be able to help your child figure out what may be causing their anxiety and prep them with the right tools and techniques to better manage their anxiety moving forward. Reach out today to set up an initial consultation.

As a parent, you wish you could take your child’s sadness or pain away whenever they’re hurt or feeling down. While you can jump in and help them when they need to be comforted or if they scrape their knee, you won’t always be able to help them with all the problems or challenges they face in life.

Physical pains are a lot easier to spot and solve. Mental issues come with their fair share of additional challenges. You may not even notice some changes at first. Over time, your child may start behaving or acting differently than you would consider normal behavior.

If you suspect your child is struggling with their mental health, it’s essential to look out for some signs and symptoms so you can be sure.

Here are five common symptoms to watch out for if you suspect your child is struggling with depression.

1. Persistent Sadness

Your happy-go-lucky child may not be so happy anymore if depression is present. If you notice your child has been sad, moody, lonely, or unhappy for two weeks or longer, depression could be playing a role. Try to pay attention to your child’s mood and energy levels. Are they crying more than usual? You may even notice more temper tantrums. It’s never easy seeing your child down or sad, but keeping track of their various moods can help you determine if the answer to it all is depression.

2. Loss of Interest in Activities

Another common sign of depression in both children and adults is a loss of interest in activities. If your child used to love going to the park or participating in games or sports and they no longer seem interested in partaking in those types of activities, depression could be to blame. Depression can cause changes that impact a person’s energy levels and their interest in certain things. Even if it was an activity, sport, or game that they loved, they may not feel the same level of fun or enjoyment towards it anymore if they’re battling depression.

3. Aches and Pains

Depression can also cause various aches and pains within the body. If you notice your child is complaining of headaches or stomachaches more than usual, depression could be the actual cause of this. You may even notice your child asking to stay home from school or certain events, even if they’re not actually sick.

4. Changes in Eating Habits

Depression can also impact one’s eating habits. One of two changes could take place due to depression. Your child may be turning to food as a short-term coping mechanism and be overeating or binging. Or your child may not feel like they have the energy actually to eat, which means they may be undereating. Pay attention to the foods that they’re consuming so you can better determine if you are, in fact, noticing changes to their eating habits.

5. Changes in Sleeping Habits

Besides changes in eating habits, depression could also affect your child’s sleeping habits. Similar to eating habits, sleeping habits could be changed in one of two ways. Your child may have a hard time going to bed at night. They could struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Or your child may oversleep or want to spend their days in bed oversleeping and napping throughout the day due to a lack of energy.

How to Help

Taking the time to understand depression and its various signs and symptoms is a significant first step to helping your child who may be struggling. You’re not expected to do this all on your own, though. Depression is a common but serious mental health disorder. It’s important to know that your child developing signs of depression doesn’t make you a bad parent. 

Reach out today to set up a consultation with a mental health professional. Together, we can help your child.