Nothing Bad has happened, lately. But my daughter seems depressed all the time. she doesn't want to go to school, church or even go visit anyone. she wants to be at home all the time. with me. or she wants to go to her dad's house. She only wants me or her dad. she cries when i have to go to work. i am at my wits end. What should i do?
2007-02-07 11:02:37 · 10 answers · asked by Katie 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Yes, your daughter can be depressed. Depression is feeling MOOD which occurs when a person thinks depressing thoughts. I know your daughter is only 5, but she may be really worried or sad about something and that is causing her depression (maybe the fact that her father and you do not live together).
According to Richard Carlson in his book You Can Be Happy No Matter What, negative thoughts lead to negative feelings which leads to negative moods (i,e., depression). The opposite is also true, positive thoughts lead to positive feelings which lead to positive moods.
Talk to you daughter about what is bothering her and then get her talking about things that she likes. Everyday remind her of things that she likes and that will help to lighten her mood.
One more thing, children do not think/feel like adults. Their impression of life is based on a 'Felt Sense' of how they fit in the world. The most important thing to a child is a feeling of love and belonging. Let your daughter know that she is loved and safe.
2007-02-07 11:20:34 · answer #1 · answered by dragonsong 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that something has happened but she hasn't told you. This is unusual behavior for a five year old. She could be bullied at school or abused by someone. I'd try to gently talk to her to find out why she doesn't want to go to school or church. Let her know that no matter what you won't be upset with her and you promise to help her any way you can. If she still won't confide in you, then I'd take her to a counselor for young children. They'll help you get the answers. With such a caring mother she can get through anything. Good Luck!
2007-02-07 11:17:47 · answer #2 · answered by Kimmi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are your child's best advocate. Your son could be exhibiting some signs of defiance (Oppositional Defiance) or an attention disorder or even autism. Many of these children exhibit emotional control problems. You should also consider having him tested for various food allergies or allergic reactions to any chemicals or even the heating and cooling systems in your home. I would seriously question the validity of a MHMR facility that said there is nothing wrong with him, and then in the next breath say to call back in a few months. He needs to be seen by a child psychologist, you can most likely have one recommended by his pediatrician or through your local hospital or health care department. You could also consider having a series of body and brain scans done, some children and even adults exhibit this type of out of control behaviour when they have a blood clot or other blockage within their nervous system. He may have actual medical issues, and he may have also learned that a lot of this adverse behavior is getting him lots of attention and that could be some of the reason for the acting out and biting and spitting. Are you a single parent? Is his father involved? Does he have other brothers and sisters that he is jealous of? All of these factors could be contributing to some of his actions. Children do learn at a very young age how to push the adults buttons to get the best and biggest reactions. It is likely a combination of all of these factors that are contributing to your sons actions. If you cannot find someone to take him to that will help you, I would suggest that you contact the Dr. Phil show, they can put you in contact with many excellent professionals that would be able to help your son. If you go to the Dr. Phil website, you can get more details there. I wish you and your son the best.
2016-05-24 04:38:00 · answer #3 · answered by Susan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be just a phase, as 5 year olds go through lots of them! but I would definitely recommend talking to her pediatrician to get some recommendations. Also, may help to talk to her school (assuming she is in kindergarten), as my 5 years old has a guidance counselor at her school. I would also suggest perhaps getting her out of house, whether it be play dates or some type pf activity like a gym or craft, dance class, where perhaps you could stay with her to help boost her confidence and get her active and around kids at the same time. Good luck!
2007-02-07 11:11:53 · answer #4 · answered by chick33 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5 year olds can be depressed. That type of seperation anxiety is not really normal for her age. Usually children who experience seperation anxiety are under a year old.
She may have gotten abused by another adult, I suggest taking her to see a child development specialist or a therapist that will have her do some art therapy to find a connection between her anxiety and something that may have happened.
2007-02-07 11:07:43 · answer #5 · answered by WORLD FAMOUS 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes children can get depressed.
Maybe you should "investigate" a little further and make sure nothing bad has happened to her that has caused her not to want to be away from her parents. Such as being bullied or abused in any way.
2007-02-07 11:11:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find her some help.... even if it's not depression... she needs to develop social skills, and hiding out at home isn't going to help her in the future.
2007-02-07 11:06:52 · answer #7 · answered by naenae0011 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a child who is 7 and has had depression since he was 4..so it is possible.
2007-02-07 11:09:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, she could be depressed.
2007-02-07 11:13:07 · answer #9 · answered by lswalling 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I DONT THINK YOUR KID IS DEPRESSED, IJUST THINK SHE NEEDS MOMMY AND DADDY RIGHT NOW MAYBE SHES BEING BULLED AT SCHOOL LOOK INTO THAT
2007-02-07 11:08:32 · answer #10 · answered by darkangelflea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋