Concerns about my daughter?

Question

We had a parent teacher conference last night (1st grade) and her teacher reiterated some concerns we've noticed over the last few weeks. She's still doing her homework and an A+ student but she has become withdrawn, doesn't want to participate, and will start to cry at the drop of a hat. When I pick her up she says she's tired (why she tells her teacher she doesn't want to participate) and she's not eating as much as she used to. The child that was bubbly and lively is now withdrawn and appearing severly depressed. We talked to her last night and she said nothing was wrong, she's not being teased, she's just tired. We didn't know if it was because her routine of staying at my moms on the weekends was disrupted (illness, out of town) or if now that her 2.5 yo brother is even MORE active we spend more time keeping him out of trouble and not snuggling with her (which I compensate for by snuggling in the mornings or after he's asleep). Ideas? HELP!

Answer 1

I agree with the first answer. Take her to the doctor to rule out any physical problem first. Then proceed carefully from there.

Answer 2

I say it's probably physical.....go for the doctor visit.  I developed ANEMIA when I was in grade school and I remember crying a lot, being depressed & tired.  Good Luck!

Answer 3

Perhaps she is being bullied (made fun of) in school. Also check to see if any class mates have gone through a traumatic event (like the death of a parent).  There may be some feelings that she does not understand and cannot put into words. Maybe even the out of town illness is causing her some anxiety. Good job scheduling with her doctor just to rule out any medical concerns. I hope everything is fine!

Answer 4

Maybe she's diabetic or ill in some way...you should get a complete physically check-up on her before jumping to the conclusion that she's depressed...please don't put your child on depression medicene without giving every other avenue a shot.

Answer 5

If she is not eating like she was and always tired then chances are she has become anemic and this can cause all of what you have seen, she doesn't exactly feel bad but she doesnt feel great either then since she is tired she gets upset easily because she doesnt feel like doing what she did before and it bothers her.  until the appointment with the doctor just keep talking to her and spend a little more time with her, maybe try some pedisure to boost her diet.  Let the doctor know all that is going on.  children at this age can go through depression but chances are it is something minor that the doc can fix easily enough.  Good luck.

Answer 6

Maybe she just needs more attention from her parents.. kids can get depressed because of that.. Snuggle with her too, balance it out.

Or she might have depression..

Answer 7

i'd start with checking how much sleep she's getting and if it's enough.  also with how much time she's spending outside or otherwise getting exercise (the more, the better).  and of course give her as much attention as you can.

i'd talk to the teacher about what's going on in the classroom, especially regarding her interactions with other students.  maybe have the school counselor unobtrusively keep an eye on her in class and on the playground for a couple days to make sure she's not being bullied or anything.

i'd also definitely bring her to be checked out with the pediatrician.  maybe it's something physical (like she has mono or something).  with the family history of depression, maybe it's that, too.  

best of luck with your daughter.

Answer 8

She might just be lacking something like iron etc...which can make her feel tired all the time.Have you taken her to the doctor for a check up? It sounds like you are doing a very good job taking care of your daughters emotional needs, I highly doubt that its depression. But it is known that children of that age and even younger can suffer from depression. I'd just take her to the doctor to be on the safe side. I hope your little girl gets to feeling better.

Answer 9

Start by talking with her doctor.  Don't try and diagnose it yourself.  She could have some additional nutritional needs. Maybe try vitamins or going to bed a little earlier than normal.

I know when my kids hit growth spirts I get the same basic thing. Their bodies are working overload and they tire easier.