Recognizing and Responding to Depression in Children

All children experience sadness and have days where they feel down. Children struggling with depression however experience persistent sadness and often impacts their interest in friends, family, school, and more for extended times. Childhood depression, while serious, can be identified and treated. Parents are often in the best position to recognize when their child is struggling, provide support, and connect their child with helpful external resources.   

Children experiencing depression often have similar symptoms to adults with depression. Children may have bouts of crying or anger, and experience changes in concentration, energy levels, and appetite. They may feel worthless, sad, withdrawn, or hopeless. Children with depression may stop showing interest in previously liked hobbies or activities and their academic performance often suffers. Most children won’t have every symptom but may experience some mix of the symptoms listed. 

Children may feel guilty or ashamed about their struggles with depression. It is important to validate your child’s inner struggles. We can often be unintentionally dismissive of the severity of children’s negative feelings. You may be able to see how the issues your child is struggling with can be resolved, but depression often has a way of making people feel stuck. It may be difficult for your child to know that these negative feelings can change but there are many things that you can do to support them.

Talk with your child, even when it’s difficult. Identifying and talking about suspected depression can be a great step in addressing your child’s feelings and letting them know that they have support. To help prepare for a discussion, you could do a short activity together to help create a relaxed space like taking a walk together or playing a game. To start a conversation you could share with them that you’ve noticed their change in mood and reiterate that you are there for them. Children may often feel that they are not able or even allowed to talk about their negative emotions. Assure them that you're thankful they’re sharing their emotions with you, whether the emotions are positive or negative. You can help your child identify friends and family that are in their support system and help them build up their sense of community. If your child does not want to talk at that moment, that is okay! You can try again another time. You can also support your child with self-care activities, encouraging regular bathing, meals, and other small tasks that contribute to their overall wellbeing. You can also seek counseling for your child, talk with their doctor, and reach out to their school.  

While it is normal for children to experience emotional ups and downs it is important to take signs of depression seriously. Children often express feelings of depression similarly to adults, feeling hopeless, withdrawn, fatigued, etc. Encouraging open communication about emotions and validating their struggles can help them feel supported and heard. 

Not sure how to help your child or what to do next? Reach out to local counseling centers, your pediatrician, or even your school guidance counselor.