Childhood Depression: Understanding the Signs and Seeking Help

Alterations in sleep routines and social isolation are key indicators of childhood depression. Familiarizing yourself with these signs can aid you in supporting your child.

Children’s Depression Signs, Treatment, & Support

Childhood is full of emotional ups and downs, but what if your child shows a loss of interest in activities they once loved? It could be a sign of more than just developmental changes. Depression is a complex mental health disorder that affects both children and adults. In this article, we will explore the symptoms of depression in children, its possible causes, and how to have conversations about depression with your child. We will also discuss treatment options and provide resources for seeking help.

Recognizing Symptoms of Depression in Children

In 2021 alone, approximately 20% of children in the United States between the ages of 12 and 17 experienced a major depressive episode. It’s important to note that depression symptoms in children may differ from those in adults due to their life stage. For example, children might not display an obvious loss of interest in daily chores, but signs can manifest in changes related to their individual interests and behaviors.

Psychologist Dr. Louise Metcalf explains that a noticeable change in a child’s behavior, such as disinterest in activities they once enjoyed, accompanied by irritability, sadness, or emotional flatness, can be strong signals of depression in children. Other signs to look out for include:

Unexplained drop in grades
Poor behavior reports from school
Crying often
Spending less time with friends
Sleeping more or less than usual
Expressing feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Loss of interest in school, sports, or other activities
Engaging in substance misuse or risky behaviors
Frequent thoughts or discussions about death or dying
Running away
Irritability
Changes in appetite

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children may also exhibit physical complaints like headaches and stomach aches alongside their depression symptoms.

Barriers to Recognition

Recognizing depression in children can be challenging, especially during the transitionary stage of childhood. Furthermore, cultural disparities can influence how symptoms of depression are recognized and perceived. School psychologist Cyrell Roberson highlights that irritability in a white teenager may be labeled as a symptom of depression, while the same behavior in Black and Latinx children might be seen as disruptive, leading to the underlying issues being misunderstood and untreated.

What Causes Depression in Children?

Depression is a brain disorder that involves changes in brain function and structure. While the exact causes of depression in children are not fully understood, a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and psychological influences can contribute to its development.

While depression can occur in children as young as 3 years old, it is most commonly seen in teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. Apart from genetics and other underlying causes, certain factors may increase a child’s likelihood of experiencing depression. Traumatic events in the family, such as the death of a loved one, homelessness, domestic violence, abuse, and bullying by peers, have been identified as potential contributors to childhood depression.

Other factors that may increase the risk of depression in children include:

A naturally pessimistic outlook
Sleep problems
Chronic medical illnesses, such as diabetes
Other mental health conditions, like anxiety disorders
Substance use
Medication use

In addition, children with an insecure attachment to primary caregivers are more prone to developing depression. Insecure attachment refers to relationships that feature anxiety and uncertainty, often caused by absent, emotionally distant, or abusive caregivers.

How to Talk to Your Child About Depression

If you suspect your child may be experiencing depression, it’s important to have a conversation with them. Cyrell Roberson recommends asking yourself the following questions about your child’s behavior:

Have their bad days begun to outweigh their good days?
Are they experiencing insomnia or excessive sleeping?
Do they have difficulty waking up for school?
Is there evidence of poor concentration at home or school?
Have they lost interest in activities they used to enjoy?
Have they distanced themselves from family and friends?
Are they engaging in maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as substance misuse?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it may be time to talk to your child about depression. Start by creating an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, even if they are dark or negative. Let them know that all emotions come and go, but it’s important to talk about them.

Dr. Louise Metcalf suggests building comfort by having the whole family share three good things that happened to them during the day or three things they liked about that day. This exercise can help create a positive atmosphere and open the door for discussions about depression. Be sure to include one positive thing about the child experiencing depression to show support and understanding.

Treatment Options for Children

Sadly, only 60% of children who experienced a major depressive episode in 2021 received treatment. If your child’s symptoms of depression persist and show no signs of improvement, it is crucial to seek professional help promptly, without waiting more than a month.

Psychotherapy and medication are the two primary treatment approaches for childhood depression. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, aims to address the underlying causes of depression and teach children effective ways to cope with negative emotions in their daily lives.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are two therapy methods that have been proven effective in treating childhood depression. These therapies help children identify and challenge negative thoughts and develop healthy coping strategies.

In some cases, medication such as antidepressants may be prescribed to relieve impairing symptoms of depression in children.

How is Depression Diagnosed in Children?

What distinguishes depression from typical childhood experiences is the duration of symptoms and how they impact daily life. Unlike day-to-day emotional fluctuations, depression involves persistent changes in thinking and behavior that affect functioning over an extended period.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), a diagnosis of depression in children and adults is given if five or more of the following symptoms are present during the same 2-week period:

Constant depressed mood, which may appear as irritability in children
Loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities
Significant weight loss or gain
Sleep disturbances
Restlessness or slowed physical movements
Fatigue or low energy
Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
Impaired concentration and decision-making
Suicidal thoughts

At least one of the symptoms must be depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure. Symptoms should cause significant impairment in important areas of function and should not be attributed to another condition or substance.

If your child is displaying signs of depression, consider seeking a referral for diagnosis from a qualified medical professional, such as a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Are You Currently in Crisis?

Suicide is among the leading causes of death for individuals between the ages of 10 and 24. If you are concerned about your child’s safety, it is essential to seek assistance immediately. Reach out to the following resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255 (available 24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741

If you suspect your child may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, here’s how to address the signs of suicidal behavior in children and teens.

Takeaway

Childhood depression is a common condition, affecting up to 20% of children between the ages of 12 and 17. While the symptoms of depression can be similar in children and adults, they may manifest differently due to the unique experiences of childhood. If your child is displaying uncharacteristic behavior, showing disinterest in activities they once enjoyed, and distancing themselves from friends and family, they may be experiencing depression.

It’s important to have open and supportive conversations about depression with your child. Seek professional help if your child’s symptoms persist or if they express thoughts of self-harm. Treatment options for childhood depression include psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication.

Remember, early recognition and intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support.

Q&A Content

Q: How can I differentiate between normal mood swings and depression in my child?

A: It can be challenging to distinguish between normal mood swings and depression in children. Signs of depression in children include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep patterns, withdrawal from friends and family, and negative thoughts about themselves. If you notice these signs lasting for an extended period and significantly impacting your child’s daily life, it may be worth seeking professional help for a proper evaluation.

Q: Is childhood depression a lifelong condition?

A: Childhood depression does not necessarily indicate a lifelong condition. With early intervention and appropriate treatment, many children recover from depression. However, it’s important to monitor your child’s mental health and provide ongoing support to help prevent future episodes or relapses.

Q: Can children outgrow depression on their own without treatment?

A: While some children may experience temporary periods of sadness or low mood, depression is a more severe and persisting condition that typically requires professional intervention. Without treatment, childhood depression can worsen and have long-term effects on a child’s well-being and development. It’s crucial to seek appropriate help and support to ensure the best outcomes for your child.

Q: Are antidepressant medications safe for children?

A: Antidepressant medications can be effective in treating childhood depression but should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified medical professional. While these medications can have side effects, the benefits often outweigh the risks when the prescribing physician carefully considers the child’s specific situation. The use of antidepressants should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy and close monitoring of the child’s progress.

Q: How can I support my child’s recovery from depression?

A: Supporting your child’s recovery from depression involves providing a nurturing and understanding environment, actively listening to their thoughts and emotions, and encouraging them to express themselves. Additionally, engaging in supportive therapy sessions and following the treatment plan as prescribed by healthcare professionals can help your child navigate their journey towards recovery.

References

signs of depression in children