Low mood or anxiety in siblings

Most children go through phases when they feel low or very anxious about things. Low moods or anxiety can have a whole range of causes such as worries about school and friendships, being ill or over tired, not having goals to achieve, having food intolerance, or puberty. Parents of siblings are often concerned that low moods or anxiety are caused by things to with having a disabled brother or sister. Siblings do have some extra challenges to cope with and some siblings may experience mood problems as a result.

How you can help

Reassure your child that you love them and that you know they are finding things hard at the moment
Let them know that you will listen to them if they want to talk to you or write down their worries or concerns for you to read
Provide your child with some 'looking after' e.g. provide a favourite meal, run a bath for them, do something for them that they would normally do themselves
Encourage your child to do something they enjoy, something that normally lifts their mood or helps them relax
Take you child out for a walk or a swim – exercise is a great mood booster
Find another member of the family or a family friend that your child will be happy to confide in and encourage your child to talk to them
Explain changes in the family to your children and give them the opportunity to ask questions about things
Are you able to link your child's change in mood to a specific event? Ask the school about how things are going there. Talk to your child about possible issues that may be affecting him or her.
If you have a gut feeling that your child needs help from a professional then ask your social worker, GP, or child's school to help you get support for your child. Your area will have a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service whom you can contact for more information

For information about anxiety and depression in children visit the Young Minds website www.youngminds.org.uk Follow this link to read their leaflet on depression in children. http://www.youngminds.org.uk/publications/all-publications/children-and-young-people-get-depressed-too/