According to figures from the Office of National Statistics, one child in 10 in Great Britain aged between five and sixteen has a recognisable mental disorder, with 4% of children suffering from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression.
With depression comes; hopelessness, sadness and a lack of self worth. It is with these issues, that the chance of a natural and healthy development can be thrown aside unless ofcourse you act now!! I urge parents to see the signs, I cannot believe the signs are missed in many cases, a parent must know that a child shouldnt be constantly tierd, constantly sad and constantly loosing interest in their hobbies. If a child isn’t eating well, isn’t playing, isn’t feeling excited about things, isn’t trying at school and isn’t socializing – its obvious!!! For me the signs of a child depressed is awful, a child should be carefree, enjoying playing, laughing, smiling, using imaginary enjoyment and being nieve to the negative things in society.
The important thing is to not be embarrassed, it doesn’t mean as a parent you are doing a bad job, you are not being judged… YOU CAN HELP!! ITS IMPORTANT!! A low self esteem is easily helped once you accept your child is depressed.
Dr Navina Evans is consultant psychiatrist at London's Capio Nightingale Hospital and the East London and City Mental Health Trust.
"The obvious signs to look out for include a low mood and unhappiness, with tearfulness or irritability that may not be related to anything specific," she says.
"Also watch out for reactions when something sad happens. For instance, when someone dies it's normal for everyone in the family to feel distressed. But if you feel your child's reaction is too extreme or has gone on for too long, that could also be a sign of depression." http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/childhealth6-15/Pages/depressioninyourchildren.aspx
Depression and low self esteem in children will massively effect their development both emotionally and intellectually. Not to mention social development and physical development. Depression must be tackled before the shocking effects of self harm, eating disorders and drug abuse set in. Which all have lasting effects. Parents yourselves can help by improving confidence in your children, offering them your guidance and help, communicating with them, helping them express their feelings and by acting positively yourself.
If your child may need further help then its time to ask the experts…
Dr Robert Hicks, expert for depression states in the BBC Newspage:
“Treatment consists of talking therapies, such as counselling or psychotherapy, and antidepressants. Simply talking about the problems to family and friends is often a major step towards recovery.
Although children might not find this easy at first, it's essential to help them understand why they became depressed, how they can deal with the underlying problems in their life and how they can develop a more positive view of their world. This usually involves some sort of psychotherapy.
Like adults, children with depression can't just 'snap out of it' or 'pull themselves together'. It's a long-term problem with episodes of depression lasting, on average, eight months.
While the majority of depressed children are back to normal after a year or two, at least half are likely to become depressed again within a couple of years.
Children usually respond fairly quickly to treatment. Antidepressants are rarely needed but may be useful in some cases. Most children can be treated at home or as a hospital outpatient, so rarely need to stay in hospital.
If you're worried that your child might be suicidal, talk to your doctor immediately - and try talking to your child too”. “http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotional_health/mental_health/disorders_depression_child2.shtml
Sing Stars Singing Club is a great way for children to express themselves, to feel happy, make friends and can boost confidence. This uplifting them from depression. Sing Stars is Milton Keynes very own
Singing Group for children aged from 5-16 years old. Sing Stars MK is a fun and
friendly group activity for your little budding singers. They will help develop
your childrens vocal skills and talents, but above all they will help them to
make lots of new friends, boost their own self confidence and show them just
how fun creative arts can be.
Sing Stars nurture and develop each childs
love of singing and to encourage their energy and enthusiasm for performance.
Unlike National Theatre and Drama Schools their classes are affordable and are
at convenient times to suit busy Mums and Dads. Their classes hold a maximum of
15 children to allow them to focus on the needs of every child attending the
group.Children of all ages and abilities are
welcome! No audition is required! They give every child a chance to shine!
Classes are run midweek, through term times
with a show at the end of each term for mums and dads. Summer Holiday Sing Star
Club is also available. Places are limited but to avoid waiting lists new
classes are added to meet the demand. Please request your childs space on the
next starting Club.
There is lots of fun singing techniques and
songs are suited to the age group. Glee, High School Musical, Rock School , Just
Bieber , Hannah Montanna are the popular hits for Sing Star Sparklers and
Juniors, with Katy Perry, Jessie Jay, One Direction , Glee being the teen
choices. We also sing songs from the musicals and show and other artists they
like!!
Prices are £4 per class or there is the
option to pay termly, there are also offers on Siblings in the club, referals
and more...
Please contact us for information on the
next available courses for the Sing Stars Singing Club. If you would like to find out more or
book your place on a class , to find out more, please see www.kaleyentertainments.wix.com/singstars
Sing Stars Mk also offer Private Singing
Lessons and Childrens Party Entertainment... please call or email for details
07540801395
