Think my DD(6) has depression?!

[sophree]

Don't know if I'm just over thinking and worrying. But over the past few months my DD has become very sad, moody and withdrawn. Although she does have blips of happy times and can still enjoy herself.

However she has very little interest in anything and cries almost every morning. This morning she cried hysterically at the school gates.

I've tried to get her into various hobbies. We often go out at the weekend but I try and makes sure she rests on Sunday afternoons. There's been no big changes or triggers I can think of ?

I think this is a really critical age for awareness. I remember around this age I became aware of death and illness and became very anxious for a few years, needing my mum to stay with me at night etc. I don't know your daughter but I'd be trying to talk through things with her and figure out what her happy and worry triggers are. I'd say you must be feeling very frightened but I do think many kids go through a tricky patch around now. Stay aware of it and have a chat with the school to keep an eye on her and also see what they think. If you are really getting concerned chat to your GP too.

Why does she cry at school time? Is it that she wants to stay with you, or does she have problems at school? Have you ruled out friendship or bullying issues?
I'd recommend talking to her teacher, and our school has a support worker who helps children cope with emotional issues.

Was she sad and withdrawn during the summer holidays, when you were all together doing something fun?

That sounds really upsetting, but I would first think she is anxious or unhappy about something, and I would look for any possible cause or trigger.

Something must be happening at school; I don't think this is normal for a child so young

I had the same with my DS. He was older, but became withdrawn and just wanted to stay at home. There was huge drama before school (I could exclude bullying) and he talked about wanting to die. This was so very worrying and I identified it as depression. His therapist recommended the book So young so sad so listen to be able to recognise depression in children, which helped me a lot. Maybe this is something for you?

I would investigate what is happening at school and how things are going there, if I were you.

Hi OP. I have suffered from anxiety and depression from age 7 it wasn't a particular incident that triggered it, and I started seeing a psychologist at school then that really helped. Unfortunately then my parents stopped paying attention and I really struggled until I became an adult and I started therapy and medication.
I think it is great you are aware and concerned and you should talk to her and assume she might need more support.
Find out if the school has a counsellor too.

Did speak to teacher who says she seems happy, confident and enthusiastic?! Have obviously looked into all reasons and come up with no answer.

Thank you for replying

Can you take her to the Dr and ask him to run some blood test to make sure she is fit and healthy and not lacking anything; eg: Vitamin D. Or suffering from anything else; If everything is ok then you can look into some therapy. Are you happy with the school? Can you trust he teacher.

When my DD was a at particular nursery she became very aggressive and started crying as soon as we were reaching the nursery; she changed once I loved her out of that nursery but it took her awhile to recover

Have you spoken to her about her feelings? My ds, who's nearly 7, reveals quite a lot eg at bedtime or on a car journey or something.

I meant: took her out of nursery (not loved her out 😁)