Depressed Parent(s)/Caregiver(s)
Without help, this is very hard on children or youth and on their development. Parental and caregiver mood swings prevent the child or youth from learning how to trust. Children & youth need to have a predictable foundation of emotional support to feel secure. Parental/caregiver depression can produce fear and confused emotions in children & youth. It can produce lack of confidence and unrealistic ideas about life. It can confuse children & youth and make them afraid to try new things. Children & youth can learn to be depressed and to fear their own emotions. Severe parental/caregiver depression can be life-threatening. The loss of a parent/caregiver through suicide may be life-crippling for the children or youths involved. Postpartum depressions have to be identified early and supported rapidly. The family of a mother in postpartum depression needs immediate and ongoing support.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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For Parents:
For Children & Youth:
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For Parents:
For Children & Youth:
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For Parents, Children & Youth:
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Long Walks/Hikes • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Nature • Pets |
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For Parents: • Depressed parents need evaluation by and support from trained professionals. • Children or youth have to be helped to realize that they are not responsible for the condition of their parent/caregivers. |
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• Depressed parents and caregivers can explore Flower Essences sold over the counter at health food stores–such as Rescue Remedy. They can also explore cutting out sodas, coffee, sugars, processed fast foods. Drinking water, eating vegetables, proteins and fruits can help improve mood. • Getting friends and relatives to give support to the child or youth is essential. Extended family members and friends can assist the child or youth a great deal by providing non-depressed experiences. • Pets can provide loving companionship to both parents and children or youth. |
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Check out: www.mentalhelp.net; www.traumasoma.com/index.shtml (very technical); www.acestudy.org. |