Tips for Recognizing and Addressing Depression in Children

Depression isn’t just an issue for adults. People of all ages can become depressed, and symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone. It can be even more challenging to recognize the signs of depression in children because they’re less likely to articulate their feelings the way adults do.

Here are several tips for recognizing depression in children and how to get them help.

Symptoms of Childhood Depression

A persistent low mood

The hallmark symptom of depression is sadness. Your child may be more unhappy, teary, frustrated, or throw more tantrums than usual. This can also translate to grouchiness and irritability, especially if your child has difficulty discussing feelings.

A lack of energy

Like with adults, depression saps a child’s energy. They might feel more tired than usual, unable to do easy tasks, or lay in bed more often. They may also give up on new tasks more easily. You may notice changes in their sleeping habits, such as sleeping much longer than usual, staying up late, and feeling groggy throughout the day.

Negative self-talk

Because depression affects self-esteem, your child might start becoming more self-critical. They may say things like “I’m never good at this,” “I’m not smart,” “I have no friends,” or “Nobody likes me.” This negative self-talk will often have little basis in reality but will feel real to your child.

Avoiding things they once enjoyed

If your child suddenly stops playing with their favorite toys or hanging out with their best friends, they might be depressed. They may find excuses not to socialize or engage in the activities they once loved.

Frequent aches and pains

Children sometimes have a harder time talking about their emotions. A depressed child might instead complain of headaches, stomachaches, or other somatic issues. They may try to avoid going to school or other events because of illness, even when they don’t seem sick.

Addressing Depression in Children

Have an honest conversation

When you’re approaching a discussion about feelings with a child, it’s important to be a trusted figure. Make sure they know that whatever they say, you’ll hear and validate them. You’re not there to judge their feelings—you’re trying to have an open dialogue and be there for them. Let them know they can come to you with a problem, no matter what’s going through their head.

Encourage healthy habits

Bad eating and sleeping habits can worsen depression. Encourage your kid to eat healthy foods and prioritize fresh fruits and veggies at every meal. Make sure they go to bed and wake up on a consistent schedule. Also, encourage them to be active. This might mean playing outside, joining a sports team, or taking hikes or walks in the park with family.

Model good coping mechanisms

Your child learns from you. When you’re stressed or feeling down, show them the best ways of coping with those negative emotions. Take them with you on self-care days to the park or out into town. Get them involved in arts and crafts or journaling to express their emotions. Avoid stewing in anger, sadness, or anxiety in front of your child.

Get professional help

If you suspect that your child may be struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to a child psychologist or therapist about your concerns. They can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether your child is having a depressive episode and recommend appropriate treatment options.

This might mean therapy, medication, or some combination of the two. In therapy, your child will learn healthy coping habits, ways of countering negative thought patterns, and work on boosting their self-esteem.

To find out more about how depression therapy or child therapy can help alleviate depression in children, please reach out.