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Is Your Child’s Pandemic Depression Dangerous?
8 Signs to watch out for
Disclaimer: I’m not an expert. I don’t have a degree in psychology or counseling. But maybe my experience will resonate in some way. I’ve been through it as a person and as a parent, as well as coaching others through it.
We’ve seen the toll this pandemic has taken on all of us, but especially our kids. They’ve had to be resilient and flexible and tough and perseverant, with no end in sight, and they are not okay. Mental health is its own pandemic, and I’m concerned. You should be, too, even if things like this “don’t happen in our family.”
I wanted to “end it all” sometime around 7th grade. I never told my parents. I made good grades, went to church, had friends, and tried my best. But I was not okay.
I grew up in a religious household. As long as you followed the rules, were quiet and respectful and obedient, you were considered a success. It was a steep learning curve once I got out on my own. I failed hard on every level: friendship, family, parenting, and marriage. I did not know how to be a person, much less a parent.
As a parent, I know I’m not supposed to be harsh and authoritarian, but I also know not to be the “cool” mom.
I’ve been both at different times. I’ve ridden that pendulum swing.
