Is this normal for a 10 year old to be feeling? I expected this in the teen years, but she's 10! She told me through a note that read "At school, I'm starting to experience depression and I don't know why. I'm not good enough for anybody, even me. I'm ugly. I don't deserve love. I don't know why I'm like this...I hate myself...I hate everything."
My heart is totally broken, as we have a home full of love and positivity. I feel so helpless. I don't want to have her medicated, but it seems like I have no choice. Has anybody else experienced this with their children? Did seeing an OT help at all?
10 year old experiencing depression
10 year old experiencing depression
Posted in:
Mental Health, Kids
9 Replies
Don’t talk about medication yet, start with the GP, don’t get ahead of yourself.
No she shouldn’t be seeing an OT, you should talk to your GP about a Child psychiatrist or psychologist, whatever he deems appropriate.
FYI people can come from loving homes and have mental health issues, that comment shows we still have such a long way to go in gaining understanding in the community.
Anyway, that’s an issue for another day.
Good luck.
Doctors are very reluctant to start kids on anti depressants, I had to really fight for my 14 year old to go on them and he had completely shut down and wanted to die. Still see a Dr to get bloods checked in case there's something physical going on like a deficiency. You can also get referred to a counselling service. What you can do now to help is routine, healthy diet, plenty of water, exercise daily (as intense as possible, get the endorphins flowing), a good belly laugh every day (watch funny you tube videos), a diary, raise self esteem - tell her why she's great, a hobby and keep in contact with friends and family.
Get her straight to a GP for a mental health care plan and referral to a child psychologist. You get 10 appointments with a Medicare rebate, the out of pocket amount will depend on the psychologist and if you’ve reached your Medicare safety net. My son has been seeing his psychologist since he was 12 for depression and anxiety. He’s not medicated and is now 15. Early on he ended up in emergency as he mentioned self harm to a kid at school, who thankfully went straight to a teacher who then got the guidance officer involved. My son still struggles at times, but thankfully there have been no more threats of self harm.
I just want to say that growing up in a happy loving home full of positivity does not mean your child will be free of mental illness.
Mental illness is real and is no different to any other illness in the world. You can treat it, sometimes cure it, but can never truely prevent it.
Give your child your time and attention, get them to dr and into counselling. Find programs for them to join.
Medication should be later if needed.
Try natural ways at this age, bush walks, bird watching, macro photography, art classes etc
I just want to say that growing up in a happy loving home full of positivity does not mean your child will be free of mental illness.
Mental illness is real and is no different to any other illness in the world. You can treat it, sometimes cure it, but can never truely prevent it.
Give your child your time and attention, get them to dr and into counselling. Find programs for them to join.
Medication should be later if needed.
Try natural ways at this age, bush walks, bird watching, macro photography, art classes etc
You're getting a little ahead of yourself for starters.
You don't even have an official diagnosis at this stage - it actually could be anxiety or even ADHD. Could even be something else like bullying feeding these self loathing feelings!
That's why you need to actually get the ball rolling for a mental health plan and referrals to a paediatrician/child psychologist etc.
It's not just a "we'll chuck her on some meds, see ya later".
I also have to object to the loving home comment. Mental health conditions don't discriminate.
Be careful this could be insecurities that are completely age appropriate.
I would leave it to a professional to diagnose depression.
Medication is the last step and it’s not a quick fix. GP first for a referral to a psychologist then they can help her with these thoughts and feelings and go from there.
My son was like this , all over the place and not loving life. thankfully didn't get too serious, but did turn out that he was struggling at school, and didn't have a good group of mates. High school hit harder and it was very hard for both of us, add a bully and raging hormone's. Had him educationally assessed as schools work was still an issue. He has inattentive adhd. so school was hard and self regulating when his brain and body didn't want to was super hard. finally at15 he is medicated and OMG life changing. So please seek support and keep fighting for you human. It might not be straight depression. listen to them and i hope you can help them soon