different ways. Those with mild-to-moderate symptoms do best with therapy to help them learn how to recognize negative thoughts and to learn ways to change their behavior when their emotions get to be too much. Other therapies that work include teaching caregivers how to help and to best take care of the child, and family therapy to help siblings and other family members learn how to deal with their feelings about the child’s depression. It is good to work with school professionals to help your child get set up for success at school. This can include plans for parent-teacher commu- nication and evaluation of your child for an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Sometimes medications are needed, although it is important to realize that medication alone is not effective in treating depression. For those with moderate to severe illness, research shows a combina- tion of therapy and medication works best. If your child needs medication for depression, it is important to know the following:
* What is the medicine name and how should it be used?
* What are the signs that the medicine is working, and when should you see a differ-
ence?
* What are some warning signs that indicate the medicine is not working or that
your child is having side effects that need to be checked out?
* When do you need to take your child for a medicine recheck?
We all have times when we feel sad or
blue. Everyone gets stressed. But if your child’s symptoms seem like more than the normal emotions we all have, it is important to seek help. If you have any concerns, start with your primary care provider. And remember, depression can be treated very
Ready, Set, Grow 51
successfully and children with depression can go on to live happy, healthy lives.
Dawn Garzon, PhD, CPNP, PNP-BC, PMHS, FAANP, is a Teaching Professor at the Univer- sity of Missouri- St. Louis, a PNP and a pedi- atric primary care mental health specialist. Her practice focuses on improving child and family health by empowering children and caregivers.
We all have times when we feel sad, but if your child has symptoms that seem like more than the emotions we all have, it is important to seek help
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