My blog is about depression in children.
Lately there is a fair bit in the news and on social media about children with depression and low moods for various reasons.
The journal of sports, exercise and performance psychology has suggested that sport and exercise help children cope with bad emotions.
By participating in sport you are not only exercising but are meeting new people and building friendships also. It’s thought that exercise helps the brains metabolism and therefore depression itself.
Firstly the child needs to think of a sport they like doing it would like to do, this will ensure they are doing something they want to do and it can be something they look forward to doing. Find a venue to participate in the sports. Dinnington high school has many sports available in the evening and is managed by schools plus. They could point you in the right direction of your local to the area. Contact the coach and see if your child can try out or join.
Doing group sports will help as they will get positive feedback from the coach and team mates and being part of a team can help give security and a sense of belonging. All these things help boost confidence which in turn help reduce the effects of depression.
There’s many forms of exercise and sports to choose from. Here are some examples, football, basketball, netball, rounders, running clubs, athletics clubs, rugby, cricket, aerobics, yoga, tennis, badminton, swimming, cheerleading, dancing, gymnastics or even attending a local walking club. It could be something they join alone or take if extra support is needed take a friend or relative. I believe fresh air is a great healer and getting out the house and interacting with people will help give the child focus and hopefully provide positive emotions and less negativity.