Depression is a mood disorder that can cause children to be sad, lack of energy, or feel irritable or hopeless. While it’s common for children to experience mood swings, depression is different: episodes of depression last longer than two weeks, marked by consistent low mood, irritability, and often physical concerns in children.
How Common Is Depression in Children?
Based on US data from 2022-2023, about 4% of children aged 3-17 had been diagnosed with depression, with 6% in females and 3% in males.1
How to Tell If Your Child Is Depressed
Depression can look very different depending on the child. Some children will exhibit a consistent low mood, while others might complain of physical symptoms like an upset stomach. Teens with depression may be more likely to isolate from family and friends or report being “tired.” It’s important to consider the usual behavior of your child and track any mood or behavioral changes.
Common signs of depression in children include:2
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Anger, irritability, or being more grouchy than usual
- Being overly self-critical
- “Acting out,” being disruptive or oppositional
- A lack of energy or effort in school or around the house
- Not enjoying things they used to, such as games, toys, or activities
- Changes to their sleep schedule or appetite
- Unexplained aches, pains, or headaches
- Digestive complaints
What Causes Depression in Children?
Researchers aren’t entirely sure about the exact causes of depression, but it is often caused by a combination of underlying risk factors and environmental reasons. Often someone has a genetic predisposition for depression, then also experiences another disruptor, such as a stressful life event or medical problem.
Risk factors for developing childhood depression include:3
- Having a close relative with depression
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Stressful life events like separation of parents, loss of a loved one, or moving
- Medical issues such as low birth weight, a brain injury, or a chronic illness
- Bullying or other major interpersonal issues
- Having another mental health condition or learning disorder
What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Depressed
If you think your child may be depressed, it’s important to open up that conversation early and check in with them often. Then, a therapist can help your child and your family process any life changes and establish some routines and coping skills for recovery.
Here are some steps to take if you think your child might be depressed:4
- Check in with your child: Ask them directly how they’re feeling or if anything is wrong. Let them know that you see they’re going through a hard time and that you’re there to help them.
- Set up a visit with a therapist: A therapist who specializes in children’s behavioral health can gain insights into your child’s mood and situation, providing both them and you with important new coping skills and ways to move forward.
- See their pediatrician: The child’s doctor can do a physical exam and provide insights into any potential health concerns that could be exacerbating depressive symptoms. Be sure to tell your child’s doctor about any changes to your child’s sleeping, eating, energy, or effort.
- Model talking about your feelings: Kids often don’t have the language they need to explain their emotions. Talking openly about your own feelings and helping reflect back to them how they feel can build their emotional vocabulary.
- Encourage healthy behaviors like eating and movement: Consistent physical activity can boost mood and contribute to better sleeping and eating patterns as well.
- Set up consistent family routines: Having a consistent routine, especially around sleeping and eating, gives your child more stability to fall back on. Plus, depression often disrupts sleep, so ensuring your child gets quality rest is important for recovery.
- Be patient: Healing from depression takes time. Don’t expect your child to “bounce back” overnight if they are depressed. Instead, make sure they have the time and space they need to recover at their own pace.
Treatments for Depression in Children
Childhood depression is treatable, and the earlier it’s addressed the higher the likelihood of a quick recovery. Depression in children is typically treated with therapy first, often including the parents and other family members along with the child. If therapy on its own isn’t enough to quell symptoms, medication may be added to a treatment plan.
Treating childhood depression can include:
- Individual therapy: A therapist specially trained in childhood mental health can help your child better understand some of the underlying causes of their depression, know they’re not alone, and learn new ways to cope. Child therapists often utilize play therapy to help kids stay engaged while incorporating features of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to teach them the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Family therapy: Parental involvement can make a huge difference in your child’s mental health. A family therapist can help parents learn new skills for coping with depression at home, as well as offer support if the depression was triggered by a big life change that impacted all family members.
- Medication: If therapy on its own isn’t alleviating depression symptoms, a psychiatric provider who specializes in childhood mental health may prescribe medication for depression on top of therapy. Depression is often medicated with an SSRI or SNRI, and a provider will work closely with you and your child to track symptoms and any side effects.
How Northeast Health Services Can Help
Our mission at Northeast Health Services is to offer comprehensive support for the mental health needs of our neighbors across Massachusetts. Our clinics treat clients of all ages, with both therapists and psychiatric providers who specialize in children’s mental health.
If you suspect your child may be depressed, it’s important to seek help right away. You can call 508.794.8711 or schedule your first appointment to learn more about how we can help your child start to feel better.
Footnotes: