Like adults, children also experience ups and downs. Anxiety and depression can affect children as well. In fact, children as young as three years can have depression. As daycare providers, it is important that you understand and recognize the warning signs of depression in children under your care.
Let us take a look at some of the signs of depression and anxiety in children.
Signs of Depression and Anxiety in Children
Recognizing the signs of anxiety and depression in young children can be particularly difficult since children are prone to throwing tantrums and have frequent mood swings. As a result, there is a high chance that any symptoms of anxiety and depression in young children may go unnoticed.
Daycare teachers should take note that bouts of sadness or blues in kids do not mean they are suffering from depression, although in some cases, these may be indicative of the early stages of these disorders.
Anxiety can also exhibit in different ways in young children but is often accompanied by symptoms of depression as well. Anxiety is a complex disorder and may manifest itself as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or some other type of disorder.
However, if you notice that the symptoms are interfering with the child’s learning, social activities, and interaction with the teacher and other kids, it may be due to an underlying disorder.
Some signs of anxiety and depression may include:
Emotional Changes
The child might appear unhappy or sad most of the time. They may also seem to be worried or afraid and get angry and irritated quickly, often without any cause. The child might also get frustrated easily, give up what they were doing, or not want to try an activity at all unless they know they can do it. They also get upset if they are told that they did something wrong.
General Behavioral Changes
The child might get upset when separated from their parents. They also won’t follow instructions and will throw a lot of tantrums. The child may be aggressive and throw things around. They might say negative stuff like “I can’t do this” and “I am dumb.” They might have a problem speaking and may suddenly break down into tears as well.
Changes in Class
The child may remain withdrawn and timid in class. They may not have any interest in taking part in any activities and won’t play with the other children. He might have problems getting along with children and become aggressive at school. They might be more prone to biting other children.
Health and Lifestyle Changes
Preschool teachers may also notice that the child has less energy than he normally does. He may also be experiencing trouble sleeping or may have nightmares. They may have gained or lost weight and may not be eating or overeating. They may also complain of persistent headaches or stomachaches without any apparent cause.
How to Help a Child In Your Daycare
If you notice signs of anxiety, depression, and mental health issues in young children, as daycare providers, it is your job to report it to the parents and advise them to seek help. If the signs of anxiety and depression in a child continue for a long time or seem to be becoming worse, it is imperative that the child undergoes psychiatric evaluation by a professional who specializes in pediatric depression and anxiety.
Anxiety and depression in children, like adults, may not get better on their own. By advising the parents to get the child the support he or she needs, they can get better faster and grow healthy and happy. In addition, the child will also be less likely to get depression later in life as well.
A mental health professional will work on the child and help them express their emotions and feel safe and secure.
Some therapies will ensure that:
● Your child gets better at managing his emotions
● Your child is able to change his negative thoughts and behavior
● Your child be taught to relax and calm down
● Your child will be able to learn new feelings through play and express his emotion positively
If the child is getting the right type of professional and familiar support, they have a high chance of recovering from anxiety and depression.
As daycare providers, it is important to monitor the behavior of each child in your care so that you may be aware if these signs become apparent in your young students.
If you want more help finding out how to manage children in daycare, visit us at Standout Daycare. We offer resources, tools, advice, and tips for daycare providers that can help run their childcare business successfully.
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