My 10 year old son has depression

[thebeachismyhappyplace2]

Since November my 10 year old son has gone from being a happy, outgoing, full of life, confident little boy to being really quiet and withdrawn and just looking quite sad at times. He seems to always be tired and has lost his appetite. I’ve been asking him all the time if everything is ok, if anything has happened at school and he just kept saying he’s just tired and I also know he was struggling a bit with the online learning and keeping up with it and because we are in a lockdown I just thought he’d bounce back once they went back to school a few weeks ago. Anyway he didn’t. It’s actually got worse. I asked his teacher and she said he was a bit quiet but didn’t notice anything else. Finally last night, he opened up to me sobbing his heart out saying he’s been feeling really depressed for months and that he looks at everything in life differently, what’s the meaning of life etc. It seems his friends have turned on him a bit and making fun of him and leaving him out. He said bad things keep happening to him. It’s massively affected his confidence and it breaks my heart that he’s been bottling this up as he felt embarrassed to talk about it. I had a huge talk with him and assured him this will pass, and I’ll try and arrange a couple of play dates in the holidays to try and get those friendships back on track. But also wondering if anyone can offer any advice please as I’m so worried about him. What would you do?

You have done exactly the right thing giving him space to talk and providong that reasdurance. I think this is invaluable for a child to have in a parent. I would be inclined to take him to the GP for check up though because of the loss of appetite. It's been such a hard time for them. I hope he feels better soon.

Besom -
Thank you, yes good idea I’ll take him to the doctors as they might even be able to refer him for counselling.

I hope he's OK and it's great he opened up. There's mindfulness for children (sorry I don't know a specific one to recommend) might help

I agree with making a GP appointment and asking for a CAMHS referral. Also speak to school to see what support they can offer.

We have a support thread here if you want to join us.

Hi OP, so sorry to hear about your son. If you can, try to keep him physically active outdoors. Take him for a brisk walk every single day, even if he has headphones in. Make sure he is topped up with Vit D? Feed him the most nutritious food you can. I would be honest and tell him something about my personal struggles. That way his feelings won’t seem so weird and alien. Wishing you well.

I think the GP won't be able to help much. I would keep talking with him OP and try and advise him on good mental health - there are lots of great websites you can get advice from.

Oh op you poor thing and your poor boy too.

I was diagnosed with depression young and looking back mine started at around 10 too (but no one believed me until I went to the Dr myself at 16).

You are absolutely doing the right thing and I can't over state how brilliant it is that you are taking it seriously and taking steps to support him instead of dismissing him as too young to be depressed.

Pp have given good advice about contacting gp etc.

I hope he gets the help he needs op, it sounds like he has a better chance than most with you on his side.