How many children have mental health problems?

The last survey, conducted in 2004, found that 1 in 10 children aged 5-15 had a mental health disorder (emotional, behavioural or other). In the newly released 2017 figures, this has risen to 1 in 9. When we include older children and look across all children and young people aged 5-19, we find that 1 in 8 (12.8%) have at least one mental disorder.

So no matter how down you feel know you aren’t alone, many other people are suffering from depression and in this article I will attempt to help you.

Firstly, small steps have a big impact. Depression can drain your energy, leaving you feeling empty and fatigued. This can make it difficult to muster the strength or desire to seek treatment. However, there are small steps you can take to help you feel more in control and improve your overall sense of feeling happy. So here are 10 ways you can overcome depression: 1. Meet yourself where you are Depression is common. It affects millions of people, including some in your life. You may not realize they face similar challenges, emotions, and obstacles. Every day with this disorder is different. It’s important to take your mental health seriously and accept that where you are right now isn’t where you’ll always be. The key to self-treatment for depression is to be open, accepting, and loving toward yourself and what you’re going through.

2. Spend time with loved ones Depression can tempt you to isolate yourself and withdraw from your best friends, boyfriends/girlfriends and family, but face-to-face time can help wash away those tendencies. If you’re unable to spend time together in person, phone calls or video chats can also be extremely helpful. Try to remind yourself these people care about you. Resist the temptation to feel like you’re a burden. You need the interaction — and they likely do, too.

3. Do something you enjoy...

Depression can push you to give into your sad side. It may feel more powerful than happy emotions. Try to push back and do something you love — something that’s relaxing, but energizing. It could be playing an instrument, painting, hiking, or biking. These activities can provide subtle lifts in your mood and energy, which may help you overcome your symptoms.

4. If you need to cry then cry Suppressing your feelings and emotions may seem like a strategic way to cope with the negative symptoms of depression. But this technique is ultimately unhealthy. If you’re having a down day, have it. Let yourself feel the emotions — but don’t stay there. And when you do express your emotions then it would help to be with someone really close to you so they can comfort you.

5. Know that today doesn’t affect tomorrow Today’s mood, emotions, or thoughts don’t belong to tomorrow. If you were unsuccessful at getting out of bed or accomplishing your goals today, remember that you haven’t lost tomorrow’s opportunity to try again. Try to look forward to tomorrow’s fresh start.

6. Do the opposite of what the ‘depression voice’ suggests The negative, irrational voice in your head may talk you out of self-help. However, if you can learn to recognize it, you can learn to replace it. Address each thought individually as it occurs. If you believe an event won’t be fun or worth your time, say to yourself, “You might be right, but it’ll be better than just sitting here another night.” You may soon see the negative isn’t always realistic.

7. Listen to music Many sources show music can be a great way to boost your mood and improve symptoms of depression. It may also help you strengthen your view of positive emotions. Music may be especially beneficial when performed in front of best friends, boyfriends/ girlfriends or family.

8. What you eat and drink can also affect how you feel There’s no special diet that will treat depression. But what you put into your body can have a real and significant impact on the way you feel. Eating a diet rich in lean meats, vegetables, and grains may be a great place to start. Try to limit stimulants like caffeine, coffee, and fizzy drinks, and depressants like alcohol.

9. Getting enough sleep can also have a noticeable effect Sleep disturbances are common with depression. You may not sleep well, or you may sleep too much or too little. All of these can make depression symptoms worse. Aim for eight hours of sleep per night. Try to get into a healthy sleeping routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help you with your daily schedule. Getting the proper amount of sleep may also help you feel more balanced and energized throughout your day.

10. Consider clinical treatment You may also find it helpful to speak to a professional about what you’re going through. A general practitioner may be able to refer you to a therapist