Anxiety/depression in 8 Yr old?

[Throgglesprocket]

My DD who has just been diagnosed with DCD is very anxious and is now telling me that she feels low (in her words). She suffers from very low self-esteem and doesn't believe in herself or have much confidence in anything she does.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to tackle this? I feel pretty useless, as although we keep telling her she can do things, there are obviously things which she can't do very well (like sports), and she dwells on these more than on the positive things.

My 12 year old has suffered with anxiety and depression (not diagnosed for years). Building confidence is definitely key, so maybe focusing on anything she does enjoy. My DD now does equine therapy, and gets so much out of caring for animals. It also helps her physically as being on a horse is so good for building core strength. It could be worth thinking of for your DD. Or anything that can help build her up as I know how hard it is when they focus on the negative.

Thanks for that suggestion, she loves horses!

Is it specialist equine therapy?

Yes she does specialist therapy. For her it's about confidence and social skills but they work with lots of children on balance, core strength etc.