How does depression manifest in children?
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to childhood depression: situational stressors, biological influences, and hormonal changes associated with puberty. The child might not know how to express their emotions, so here are some outward signs that may indicate depression:
Loss of interest in things they previously found fun
Changes in sleep (too much or too little)
Changes in appetite
Saying things like “I’m worthless” or other self-criticisms
Loss of energy
If you have a younger child, watch how they play with their toys: do they frequently act out conflict in their play? Stressed children often display conflict in their play. Start a conversation about it. This signals that you are a safe person to talk to – even if your child doesn’t open up right away.
If you have an older child, talk to them and observe how they respond. Ask how they are feeling and if they are alright. If they don’t want to talk about it, don’t push. Avoid being overly persistent, as it can feel intrusive. You can always ask again later. Just let them know that you are always there for them, and encourage them to talk to another trusted adult if needed.
What should I do if I think my child has depression?
If you notice these signs, talk with your pediatrician. They can rule out other possible causes for the symptoms, such as anemia or chronic pain. Additionally, they can recommend treatment providers and support resources.
You can also reach out to a therapist or psychiatrist to begin exploring care options. One of the most important things you can do during this process is ensure that your child’s physical well-being is taken care of, with proper nutrition and exercise. A healthy body can better support mental and emotional healing.
There are two main types of evidence-based treatment for childhood depression: medication and therapy. Your doctor or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. These antidepressants can take up to four to six weeks to be fully effective, so be patient with your child during this time. While these can be helpful, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. Review the information provided by your doctor beforehand to ensure that you know what to watch for.
Therapy for Childhood Depression
Another recommended type of treatment for childhood depression is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. This therapy helps the child reframe their experiences and teaches them practical coping skills they can use in everyday situations. CBT can take time to become effective as the child needs to build a bond of trust with the therapist. While it doesn’t have the physical side effects that can come with medication, it may bring up difficult emotions while the child is learning to process them.
CBT can be offered in an individual or group setting. In some cases, the parents may be invited to sit in and learn effective ways to support their child at home. Due to their extended timelines, therapy and medication are often combined by providers to improve outcomes. However, it is possible to begin with just one, depending on your child’s needs and your preferences.
Here at Nugent Family Counseling Center, we offer multiple clinicians who are experienced in supporting families and children with depression. With locations in both California and Nevada, we offer a variety of services from individual and family counseling to medication management, all tailored to meet your family’s needs. Our goal is to support you and your child in learning to manage depression and help you both to thrive.
Additional Links for Information:
- Cleveland Clinic’s Information on Childhood Depression
- NHS: How to Talk to Your Children About Feelings
- Research on CBT and Its Effectiveness on Childhood Depression
