Signs of Depression in Children

To understand the signs of depression in children, you have to understand the difference between normal sadness and a true mental health concern.  Children cry….a lot.  Children have not yet learned the skill of regulating their own emotions and events that seem small to you may feel detrimental to your child.  If your child cries everyday but recovers within the hour, they likely are experiencing emotions in the range of normal for children.  So, when should you be concerned about your child’s mood?

Your child talks about wanting to die or harm themselves

Let’s be clear, suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self harm are a medical emergency.  If your child is talking about harming themselves, seek medical evaluation at the nearest emergency room right away!  You may think that your child is too young to harm themselves, but this simply isn’t true.  The rates of suicide in children continue to rise and younger children are not protected from this risk.  Even if your child tells you they don’t really mean, it, seek mental health support right away.  If your child feels poorly enough to make a statement about harming themselves. this should always be responded to with mental health treatment.  The sooner your child receives treatment, the faster he or she will feel relief.  

Child depression looks different than adult depression 

If your child isn’t talking about “feeing depressed,” but you suspect something is wrong, trust your instincts.  Children will rarely say they feel depressed.  Instead, you may see increased irritability, a loss of interest in activities that your child once enjoyed, a lack of motivation to do seemingly simple or fun activities, and social isolation.  A child avoiding chores or getting distracted when getting ready for school is not necessarily depressed.  But a child slumped on the couch before a birthday party with friends my be struggling with negative feelings.  

Your child focuses on the negative and often feels hopeless 

When something goes wrong, does your child say “I hate this so much!  I want things my way” or is the response more like, “I hate my life.  Nothing good ever happens to me!”?  The tendency to catastrophize (the second response), can be a sign of depression.  If your child often feels worthless, hopeless, or guilty, these can be signs of depression in children.  They may make statements like, “I never get it right” or “I’m so bad” or “I never get it right.”  

Your child is struggling with day to day functioning 

Other concerns include stomach aches, loss of appetite, increase in appetite, and feeling ill with no medical cause.  A depressed child may struggle to concentrate, start doing poorly in school, report being fatigued often, or cry more than typical children their age.  If you see signs that your child is struggling with relationships at home, school or during activities, an assessment for depression or mood difficulties will provide you guidance on how to proceed.  

Is it my fault that my child is depressed?  

Your child’s therapist will never blame you for your child’s depression.  Depression has been found to be highly hereditary and is never the chosen response to life’s struggles.  If you or your child have experienced depression, you are not to blame and you did not cause the issue.  However, their may be steps you can take to help your child feel better.  The resolution of child depression starts with mental health treatment from an experienced child therapist.  

Want to learn more about how child therapy can help your child feel better?  Call us today for a free 15 minute phone consultation. To learn more about Child Therapy and how Skylands Wellness can help, click here.