Is Your Child Depressed?
Depression isn’t adults-only. As a parent, worrying about your kid’s mental health is normal since they’re vulnerable to depressive episodes, too. If you’re wondering whether your child is depressed, you’re not alone. Signs of depression in children can be harder to spot than in adults, especially since they can have difficulty discussing their feelings. Recognizing these symptoms is important for getting your kid the help they need to be at their happiest and healthiest.
If your kid is depressed, they might become socially withdrawn, avoiding friends, family, and other social interactions. They may isolate themselves, spending more time alone in their room. This can also look like avoiding their once-favorite activities or suddenly becoming uninterested in what they loved to do before.
Their sadness won’t go away
One of the major signs of depression in children is persistent, intense feeling of sadness. They may be tearful, down, or morose. They might also be unable to explain why they feel so upset. Sadness can also be guilt for things they didn’t do (or have no control over). They may talk about feeling unworthy of love or success.
They’re irritable or angry
Not all kids present with sadness. Instead, that feeling might be redirected and present as anger or irritability. Watch out for usual signs of aggression, short-tempered, moodiness, and impatience. They may also be acting out in school and getting into more trouble.
Their academic performance declines
Kids aren’t always great at talking about their feelings. Depression can appear in other ways, such as a lack of concentration and difficulty finishing tasks. This might translate to slipping grades and performance issues at school. Kids in middle and high school with depression are more likely to struggle with school due to added pressure and more intense assignments.
They’ve withdrawn from friends
If your kid is depressed, they might become socially withdrawn, avoiding friends, family, and other social interactions. They may isolate themselves, spending more time alone in their room. This can also look like avoiding their once-favorite activities or suddenly becoming uninterested in what they loved to do before.
They’re not eating and sleeping like before
Depression can show up through appetite changes like over- or under-eating. Similarly, either sleeping more than normal or not being able to stay asleep are telltale signs of depression. Sleeping badly is also a risk factor for developing depression in the first place. A lack of sleep can also translate to fatigue and low energy.
How to help kids with depression
Ensure they feel safe coming to you
Kids need a safe space. Let them know your lines of communication are open and they can come to you whenever they’re distressed. Encourage them to open up about their feelings.
Maintain a routine
A consistent daily routine can provide stability and structure for your kid when they’re feeling emotional turmoil. With standard mealtimes and bedtimes, there’s some control over how much they eat and sleep. You can also consider limiting screen time, as social media can worsen feelings of depression (particularly for teens).
Encourage healthy coping mechanisms
Kids feel their best when physically active or creatively working through their emotions. Encourage exercise like bike riding, playing a sport, or swimming. If your child has other hobbies like making art, journaling, reading, or playing an instrument, try directing them towards those to relieve stress.
Talk to a therapist
If your child suffers from depression, they shouldn’t go through it alone. A mental health professional can provide a full evaluation and develop the best treatment plan for them. The most effective approach is psychotherapy, medication, or combining the two. A therapist can talk through their stressors, help them understand their emotions, and cope with negative feelings healthily.
To find out more about how child therapy can help depression, please reach out to us.
