Island Coast Pediatrics News: Addressing the Increasing Cases of Depression in Children.
Depression and anxiety concerns are complicated problems with many challenges to overcome. Unfortunately, both of these concerns have significantly increased over the past year due to the COVID pandemic. The increased stress that this era has brought has caused many patient’s internal balance to shift. Some have experienced loss of family, others have dealt with loss of control to certain situations. Many feel a loss of freedom and are challenged in coping with unfamiliar situations. Some have lost access to important connections that they need to cope effectively with their stress. Friendships have suffered greatly due to the strains of COVID and this is especially hard on teens since they identify more with their friends rather than their family at this age. Teens use their friendships and connections to find their place in the world.
When a child feels like they have lost control as well as their connections, anxiety begins. If untreated, hopelessness and depression can set in. So, it is very important to check in on your children regularly and use available tools to help gather information to determine if they are doing well both mentally and emotionally. Below we have provided some tools and resources for your convenience to help you as you check in with your child. Together, you and your child can work on ways to help keep them well by having regular communication and trying to maintain their fun interests and healthy outlets. Children need something to look forward to so do whatever you can to help them stay connected to trusted friends. Plan safe events together and try to find out what motivates your child the most.
Getting through this difficult time and working on ways to help them will take some effort. Children need their parents to help them see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Take time to reflect on changes and the benefits this COVID experience has brought. By doing so, it can help them build resilience as a result. If this is a skill they can walk away with, then we can even go so far as to say that they benefited and are stronger individuals because of this. It's our job to help guide them to that reflection and make sure that we are all recovering together in the healthiest way possible. Please take a moment to check out the tools and resources below and feel free to call us with questions or for an appointment if needed
What can you do?
First assess the situation. Most kids, especially teens will not disclose that they are feeling sad. Teens are elusive and do not want to communicate or do not know how. Try to keep communication open, check in on them, ask how they are doing.
A few ideas that can help you gather more information.
- Create a communication notebook.Sometimes this works better to get Teens to open up.
- Print and hand them the PHQ-2 evaluation tool: literally print it off and have them do it. You will get a more honest response from the paper vs words most times. (click: PHQ-2)
- Focus on the positives. Help them see the bright side everyday.
Options to treat :
Most of the time kids only need to work it out with you, a counselor or they will work it out themselves. It is most important that you try to keep open communications and seek help if needed. Currently counselors have a waiting list, but if you need to be on that list we want to make sure that we start the process of evaluation and doing what you can at home. There are some available apps that are very helpful : Calm and Headspace are two very popular apps that are available. A few more things that can help:
- Exercise (even just going for a walk) it’s natural serotonin.
- Eat well: eat healthy foods, it will make you feel better. Sugar spikes and junk food make us feel worse in the end.
- Sleep: try to regulate sleep patterns. Goal of 8 hrs/ day
- Schedule activities to look forward to
- Spend time with friends and family that can support you
- Small goals and baby steps: eg. this week I will… walk twice and try to eat healthier.The more details the better. (eg. I will walk on tuesday and thursday and start to eat salad for lunch)
Emergency options that are local are Salus Care and David Lawrence Center in Naples and of course the emergency room if they are unsafe. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255 and available if you’re concerned for their safety or just need help starting the conversation. In addition, have them identify a safe person to contact if they feel unsafe.
For further evaluation of your child, start here with these resources. There is a very helpful evaluation tool called the PHQ-2 that is appropriate for ages 11yrs and up, it asks only 2 questions to help determine if they are at risk and need further evaluation.
Contact your Doctor if you're concerned. The majority of children do not require medication, they just need to learn how to deal with emotions. Once you identify the problem, we can start to manage it better before it gets worse. Check in with your child today please.
Island Coast Pediatrics has compiled some resources that might be of help to you. Download this interactive pdf file. (ICPeds Mental Health Resources)
Nicole Bruno, D.O.
Wilfred Lee, M.D.
Holly Velez
