Depression in 10 year old?

[hackneyLass]

I feel like a lightbulb has gone on, I think my DS is depressed, makes sense of lots of things.

He has shown more insight than me: says he has the happy side & the sad side, has been saying he is depressed but I didn't think he could know what that meant.

Rapid mood swings, very sensitive to perceived criticism, reacts with anger and aggression then withdraws, lies down, cries. Poor behaviour, vile to me, playground fights. He said he feels "small, blue, lonely, squashed, feel like I am a disappointment to people". Says "I don't know why I do this, its like a storm in me". Happiest when he can lose himself in TV / reading / computer games.

He is not anxious, doesn't (visibly) worry about things, just hair trigger.

No evidence of being bullied at school, doesn't like school but nothing new, hasn't for years. Has friends but seems to be isolating himself a bit.

I had been putting it down to specific things going on in his / our lives but it has been going on too long. Also, I think, my subconscious dismissal of D in preteen.

So will call GP on Monday morning to make appointment. School not much help so far, I though he was being referred to a counsellor but they now say nothing will happen so close to end of term (thanks...)

So, do any of you have experience of preteen D?
What help may be offered by GP / school?
And can you recommend any resources for us?

Generally he would be referred to CAMHS therapy would be offered. Please, please avoid meds at the beginning. It could be resolved without it and meds do mask the symptoms. Try remedies like changing his diet, helping him get regular exercise causing endorphins to be released. The doctor will work on helping relieve symptoms, so if he struggles to sleep that will be looked at (winding down pre-bed, no television/computer an hour before, hot uncaffeinated drink, calming music and maybe a hot bath etc) or if he comfort eats making sure he can try and find something more productive to do instead. Also, often Depressives put themselves down and talk very negatively about a situation. Try to correct this, inject some positivity or humour into the situation, remind him of a happy moment.

I definately suggest GP over school from experience, though the school may need to be aware if a diagnosis is made. Preteen Depression is pretty much the same as adult depression.

Characterised by:
-Being moody and irritable - easily upset, `ratty' or tearful.
-Becoming withdrawn - avoiding friends, family and regular activities.
-Feeling guilty or bad, being self-critical and self-blaming - hating yourself.
-Feeling unhappy, miserable and lonely a lot of the time.
-Feeling hopeless and wanting to die.
-Finding it difficult to concentrate.
-Not looking after your personal appearance.
-Changes in sleep pattern: sleeping too little or too much.
-Tiredness and lack of energy.
-Changes in appetite.
-Frequent minor health problems, such as headaches or stomach-aches.
-Some people believe they are ugly, guilty and have done terrible things.
-Not enjoying things anymore.

There's also St Johns Wort - a herbal remedy which does work for a lot of people (even the prescription meds dont work on everyone). If his depression is severe (the doctor will ask lots of questions and want a history of the mental health of the family) meds may be the route, and he may even need larger amounts of support (inpatient/intensive outpatient) but from what you say I don't think that's likely, and you seem to be catching it before it progresses into anything more dangerous. Note down for the doctor any changes you notice and see whether you can think what was going on at the time it started.

Rethink
Mind
^^both organisations generally give good support to families with children suffering Depression.

Sending lots and lots of love and hugs.

Hi we have very similar situation - off to mental health drop in today. please can you let me know what happened with your situation ? x