When Nothing Makes Her Laugh Any More

A child with low mood often keeps going to school and doing her homework, but stops enjoying things.

A two-minute read, three things to try, for ages 11 to 16.

Where to start

Sit on her bed for five minutes with no agenda.
If she’s been this flat for more than a fortnight, or you’re worried, ring the GP.
If she has been this flat for more than a fortnight, or you’re worried at any point, the next step is to see the GP, and to tell the doctor about any change in her sleep or appetite. If she tells you that she is hurting herself, or that she does not want to be alive, don’t wait for an appointment: act that day. England, Scotland and Wales: call 111 and choose the mental-health option. Northern Ireland: call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Help is free, confidential and available at any hour. Whoever answers may share information to arrange care or keep someone safe. YoungMinds’ A-Z page on low mood and depression is the clearest introduction for parents that we know of in the UK.

The rest of the tip, with more to try and why it works, is in the library.

It goes with

When They Stop Talking to You. For parents whose teenager hardly talks to them any more.
The Conversations Parents Avoid. For parents who need to tell their child something hard and don’t know how to start.

Free on this subject

Low mood. What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.

The rest of the library

The Parent Book is a library written by therapists: chapters on the situations parents bring to our therapy rooms most often, quick tips for tonight, things to do together, and every sheet to print. One subscription opens all of it, from the day you join.

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If you need help right now

If you or your child is in immediate danger: 999 · Go to your nearest A&E · 24/7.
If either you or your child is in a mental health crisis: NHS 111 · England, Scotland and Wales: call 111 and choose the mental-health option. Northern Ireland: call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 · 24/7.
If your child is under 19 and needs to talk to someone themselves: Childline · 0800 1111 · 24/7 · www.childline.org.uk.
If you are worried that a child is being harmed or is at risk: NSPCC Helpline · 0808 800 5000 · Mon-Fri 10am-4pm by phone; email 11am-4pm, seven days a week. An email sent when the service is closed is not received. · email help@nspcc.org.uk · www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/our-services/nspcc-helpline · If the NSPCC service is closed and the concern cannot wait, call the police on 101. You can also contact the child’s local out-of-hours children’s social care, social work or social services team. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you would prefer to text rather than speak: Shout · Text SHOUT to 85258 · 24/7 · giveusashout.org.
If you or someone you are worried about needs someone to talk to: Samaritans · 116 123 · 24/7 · www.samaritans.org.

If you need help right now

Published by Kensington Square Therapy. Company No. 16707111. Written by therapists registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This page is not therapy, and not a substitute for professional support. The full library is at theparentbook.com.