Could dd age 9 be depressed?

[chasegirl]

She says she feels sad about everything. Nothing makes her happy anymore none of her hobbies or things she used to enjoy.

School is horrible she even dislikes her favourite lessons and play times. She doesn't feel like she has anything to look forward too.

She wants to know when these sad feelings will end.

This has being going on since maybe the beginning of December. I said I would take her to the gp if she wants either now or in a couple of weeks if she wants to think about it.

I can't think of anything that would make ger feel like thus and it's really worrying me.

Any advice gratefully received

[LegoCaltrops]

I was depressed at around 8 years, maybe earlier. I vividly remember reading one of the James Herriott books at about 9 or so, one of the characters described how depression felt & I realised I was the same, I'd felt that way for ages, maybe even a couple of years. Largely emotionless, occasionally very angry, felt like I was stuck in a big dark pit & I couldn't explain how I felt or understand why. I struggled all throughout my teens but I'm largely ok now.

Don't push her, I never felt that my parents were really on my side about it. Be available as much as you can & make sure she knows that. There might not be anything that's caused it, sometimes it just happens. I'm not sure what is available these days by way of real help for childhood & teen MH issues, hopefully someone else can advise.

[bobbinpop]

Yes, sounds like it; take her to the gp. I imagine there is a long wait to see anyone, so get on the list for referral ASAP.

[bobbinpop]

You could also try a light to treat SAD; could be seasonal.

www.sada.org.uk/index_2.php

[chasegirl]

She does get tearful in the mornings and at bedtimes when she talks about how she feels.
I have told her to talk to me or her dad or her teacher who ever she wants.

I have explained that the gp might suggest seeing a specialist child Doctor for help. She did seem to worry about that cos she said she wouldn't know how to explain how she felt. I told her the doctor would have had years of training and would know the right questions to ask.

[bobbinpop]

It's great that you're both communicating so well about it. I don't have any experience with this, but family members have had really long waits for treatment for anorexia and anxiety, so i doubt anything will happen quickly. Do as much as you can in the meantime, but do try to get referred soon. I would try meditation, mindfulness (there are classes for children), and keep up the talking.

[chasegirl]

Classes are a good idea will see if there are any round here.
It's difficult cos I want to fix it for her but no idea how :-)

[FoddyWaddle]

My Ds is depressed, and has been since the age of 7 (he is nearly 9) and my advice would be to take her to the GP asap. CAHMS has a very long waiting list. Young Minds is a very good place to go to help for you. I have had some very good advice from them via emails and phone calls. They gave me various things to try to help my DS.