How To Help Depressed Children?

We have all perceived childhood as happy and carefree, but the truth is a child can feel deep sadness and get into depression. Here's how you can help your child cope with feelings of depression.
1) Reassure your child that depression is not something to be ashamed of nor is he crazy. All of us feel sad in response to sad situations and there is nothing to worry about. Since he is a child he might not even know the word depression, so avoid using these kind of words and show trust in him/her.
2) Give your child the right to have these feelings. Children can easily get the idea that it's not okay to feel depressed and start to hide their feelings rather than deal with them in a healthy way.
3) Tell your child the truth. We instinctively want to protect our children from pain, but kids are very adept at picking up when something is wrong. By being honest with them we allow them to work through the pain.
4) Give your child time to grieve, even over the small things. A pet cat/dog may seem like a small thing to you, but may a big deal to a child who has never dealt with loss before.
5) Pay attention to your child's symptoms. If the symptoms are lingering for an extended period of time or you are seeing severe changes in their personality, it may be time to seek professional help.
6) Teach your child it's okay to ask for help when they need it. Give them a list of people they may talk to such as yourself, a teacher, or counselor.
7) Don't minimize your child's feelings. It may seem small to you, but what counts is how it feels to him.
8) Although childhood suicide is rare, it does happen. Always take it very seriously if your child says he feels like he wants to die.
9) Be aware of the impact your own responses to life are having on your child. Your child learns coping skills by watching you.
10) As a caretaker/ parents/guardians show your full support to them because that is what they need and wear a smile on your face whenever you are around them. It makes an impact.

Parents should learn to recognize childhood depression symptoms. Spend time with the child, be caring, listen well and be understanding. Take time on a regular basis to help the child enjoy pleasurable activities and recreational interests. Maintain a regular and nutritional diet. Avoid meal skipping. Avoid sleeping or napping during the day if it is difficult to sleep during regular times. Irregular sleep patterns prolong or worsen symptoms of depression. In case of severe depression its always good to consult n expert in the same field.