Magination Press Quick Tip: Supporting Your Child with Depression by Fostering Positive Thinking

October is recognized as Depression Education and Awareness Month, but any parent with a child who suffers from depression knows that kids need support year round.

Dr. James Foley, author of Magination Press’s book, Danny and the Blue Cloud: Coping with Childhood Depression, offers these insights and tips for parents supporting children who suffer from depression.

Four ways to increase your child’s positive thinking

Depression is often characterized by negative and/or distorted thinking. You may notice your child more frequently engaging in negative self-talk such as, “I’m a dummy” or “I can never do this.” Such statements may indicate a pattern of negative thinking. Here are a few tips to begin the process of positive change:

• Set the stage for positive thinking through movement. Engage in a physical activity that your child enjoys on a regular schedule, especially when your child appears “down.” Exercise elevates mood.

• Help your child think about the good things and not just the bad things. For example, involve your child in creating an electronic or paper collage filled with their wonderful qualities.

• Help your child think about what he or she can do and not what he or she can’t do. Make a list of your child’s positive accomplishments. Point out your child’s achievements, even small ones:  “You were a big help emptying the dishwasher today.”

• Model positive self-talk for your child: “I am really happy and proud that I finished all my work today.”

Fostering small positive changes in the way your child thinks and acts can help them change the negative thinking that often accompanies depression.

These tips are from James Foley, DEd, author of Magination Press’s book, Danny and the Blue Cloud: Coping with Childhood Depression.