Removal may cause depression in a child

The last thing that will cross your mind during removal is that your child might be impacted by it in a negative way. Some researches show that there is a link between removal and depression in children, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will be affected.

Sometimes you have no other option than to move and start a new life in a new environment. As a parent, you will give your best to help your child have a smooth transition. If possible, keep a child in the same school. Children that change school, especially elementary school can be overwhelmed by a new curriculum and it can be hard to make new friends and simply blend in. It is known that these children have a low self-esteem at this age, which can even worsen when you move.

Moving as a result of a divorce

If you are going through divorce and you move as a result of it, you have to be especially sensitive to your kid’s feeling. Your child will have to adjust to so many new things at this time. It has to adjust to a new surroundings as well as a new family structure. This may lead to some negative feelings a child can develop such as anger, sadness, insecurity, etc. Therefore, it is necessary that you make sure your child’s routine doesn’t change drastically. Your child needs a sense of stability in order to avoid being depressed. One way to keep that stability is to allow your child to see his old friends from time to time. It is important for a child to socialize, at least with old friends until they find new ones. And we all know that it can be stressful to be in a new place with no friends or family.

Communicate with your child

Moving can make you feel anxious due to all the tasks that have to be done timely. Don’t let that scare your child. Talk to your kid and explain that removing doesn’t have to be a scary and negative experience. It is a fresh start where you will meet new friends and live a better and happier life. If you are too worried or too nervous about certain moving segment, do not overwhelm your child with that. All that negative energy will reflect in your kid. They have to feel safe so avoid that kind of behaviour. Talk to your child, share feeling but keep in mind that stressing about it won’t bring any good.

Signs of depression

Removal can cause depression in children. It is very important that you recognize early signs so you can provide proper help and counselling for your child. Some of the symptoms include constant crying, feeling of guilt and hate, sleeping disorders, eating disorders, academic decline, lack of desire to socialize, etc. Being nervous during removal is normal for a child but these symptoms are not normal. If you see any signs of depression in your child or any unusual behaviour that can hurt normal mental growth, you should consult your child’s doctor. If necessary, your child will receive the right treatment or start with counselling.