Older mum

Leesees79 — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:49:11 GMT

Hi. I'm an older mum of a toddler who is experiencing depression can anyone else relate to this?

Re: Older mum

therising — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 19:04:04 GMT

Hi Leesees79

You're obviously a deeply loving beautiful mum who feels for her child, otherwise you wouldn't have picked up on how they're feeling.

As a mum of 2 sensitive kids that are now 18 (son) and soon to be 21 (daughter), looking back I'd say they were sensitive as toddlers too. Btw, when I say 'sensitive' what I mean is they can sense a lot of stuff. If your little one is anything like their mum you'll know what I mean. If you can sense the impact of depressing degrading people, you'll know how that feels. If you can sense a depressing lack of energy at any time, you'll be able to relate to how pure exhaustion (at its worst) feels. If you can sense a depressing lack of adventure, inspiration and all that kind of stuff, that definitely has a feel to it. Whether it's related to mind, body or soul, if you're sensitive enough you can feel it. So, I suppose the question's may come down to 'What is your child feeling?' and 'What path do you want to take?'.

There's a psychological path of assessment. Whether that involves an assessment for depression or one that may tick most boxes for high functioning autism, for example. Btw, not saying that's a possibility, purely just an example. Then there's the medical path that can involve possible chemical imbalances, for example, that might be picked up in blood tests (iron, b12 etc). Then there's the more soulful kind of path that's more along the lines of 'My child is a feeler/sensitive', they can feel/sense more than most. With that one, it's more about developing skills in being able to feel/sense your way through life.

Wondering if you've spoken to them, in order to get a better sense of what they're feeling. Considering the language barrier (with them not having an extensive vocabulary at this age), a few ideas

'Do you know why you feel so blahh? Is it something in the house or something outside the house that makes you feel this way?'. Maybe they've been seeing things on tv that leads them to feel sad and worried. The news is an absolute shocker for that
'If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?' If the answer is something along the lines of 'A best friend. Everyone else has a best friend but not me', could point to a sense of loneliness
'Do you feel super super tired all the time?'. This could point to a possible need for some blood tests or perhaps a sleep study, to look at chemical factors or quality of sleep

Something more outside the square could involve them being a super tuned in feeler who feels for others or feels other people's emotions. For example, some kids are sensitive enough to feel other people's high stress emotions or their deeply depressed emotions.

So much detective work at times, when it comes to raising kids. There can be so much wondering while looking for clues in how to raise them above and beyond their challenges. Our kids lead us to develop in so many ways. With this raising business being a mutual thing, we grow up(wards) together.❤️

topic Older mum in Depression

Older mum

Re: Older mum