Depression in Children: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

Hey there, let's chat about kids and the big 'D' - depression. It's a tough topic especially when it comes to our kids, but it's super important. It's kinda like a chameleon, changing its colors from one kid to the next. It can be physical, psychological, even emotional. Every child wears it differently, so as parents, we gotta stay on our toes and keep an eye out for anything that seems...well, off. It's like being a detective, but with more juice boxes.

What Is Depression?

Depression, or as the experts call it, major depressive disorder, is like this huge grey cloud that hangs over your head. It's a mood disorder, but it's so much more than just feeling blue. It's like you're stuck in this funk and can't get out. Things you used to love? They just don't bring you joy anymore. It can make you feel isolated, unmotivated, and just plain sad. It's a tough road, but remember, it's okay to ask for help.

Signs of Depression In Children

Depression can feel like a long-lasting case of the blues, making you want to retreat from the world. Not too long ago, we thought only grown-ups could get hit with this. We figured kids weren't quite there yet, developmentally speaking. And moody teens? Well, we just thought they were being, well, teens.

How Common Is Childhood Depression?

Depression in kiddos? Yeah, it's a real thing. It's more common than you might think, and it doesn't play favorites with age. Sure, it might be less common in the under-12 crowd, but it can and does happen. And those over 12? They're more likely to experience it. So let's keep the conversation going and support each other in understanding this important issue.

Symptoms of Depression In Children

Let’s talk about how kiddos can experience depression, because, you know, it's not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Each little one is unique, and their age, experiences, and what's going on in their life can play a big part.

So, what might depression look like in a child? Well, it could be a bunch of things:

  • Maybe they're eating more or less than usual
  • They might seem a bit off, emotionally speaking
  • Their sleep could be all over the place—either they're sleeping too much or not enough
  • They might seem sad or hopeless a lot of the time
  • You might notice they're not doing well in school, with friends, or in activities they used to love
  • They might have a tough time focusing
  • They could get angry or frustrated super easily
  • They might seem tired a lot
  • They could complain about physical symptoms, like headaches or tummy aches
  • Some kids might even have thoughts about suicide
  • They might throw more temper tantrums than usual
  • They might start pulling away from their friends or family

Remember, every child is different, so these are just some of the signs to look out for. If you're worried about your little one, it's always a good idea to reach out to a professional for help.

Causes & Triggers of Depression In Children

Depression in children can have many causes, including but not limited to:14

  • Substance abuse
  • Environmental factors such as difficulties or changes in families
  • Family history of mental illness
  • Physical illness
  • Stressful life circumstances (e.g., school, bullying)
  • Traumatic Events (in the community, home, or school)

Potential Risk Factors For Depression In Children

Like the many colors in a rainbow, the factors that can lead to depression in kids are diverse and unique for every individual. But no matter what the cause might be, identifying these potential risk factors is super crucial. So, let's shine a light on this, for our little ones.

Common risk factors of depression in children include:

  • Abuse (e.g., physical, emotional, sexual)
  • Having an undiagnosed or diagnosed mental health disorder
  • Having a lack of meaning and feeling hopeless and/or helpless
  • Stressful situations (e.g., school, bullying, divorce/separation of parents)
  • Childhood trauma (e.g., death of a loved one)

How to Get Help For a Child With Depression

When it comes to kiddos dealing with the heavy stuff like depression, it's crucial to loop in the pros to assure the best treatment outcomes. Step one? Swing by your kid's pediatrician to rule out any underlying physical health problems.

Once you've tackled the physical stuff, it's time to rally the mental health troops. Your child's pediatrician can provide referrals to mental health professionals who specialize in helping kids navigate the murky waters of depression.

How to Find a Therapist

Finding the right mental health professional for your child's depression symptoms might feel like a daunting task, but It's about finding someone who's really good at figuring out and treating kiddos.

You've got some options here. You could look online for child therapists (play therapists), check out who's on your insurance provider's list, get some advice from your family doc, or even ask around to friends, family, or coworkers for their recommendations. And don't forget about your child's school counselor - they usually have a list of local mental health resources. You've got this!

Here are essential considerations when finding a mental health provider to support your child’s mental health:

  • Check to see if the therapist is accepting new clients
  • Read to ensure that the mental health provider focuses on the specialty areas that are specific to your child’s mental health needs
  • Ask if the therapist accepts your insurance plan or offer affordable cash payment options

Treatment of Depression In Children

Knowing how to treat depression requires a combination of counseling and possibly the consideration of medication depending on the age and severity of the child. The effects of depression vary from child to child, therefore, the treatment plan will vary according to symptoms and needs of the child. Because treatment for depression can be complex, it’s imperative that children suffering from depression get treatment from a professional, experienced mental health provider (e.g., counselor, psychologist, or social worker).

There is not a one size approach to treatment for children experiencing depression. Treatment of depression varies depending upon the severity of the signs and symptoms, individual motivation, and resources available to children experiencing depression.

You know, when it comes down to it, treating depression in kiddos isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Every child is unique, and what works wonders for one might not do the trick for another. It's a bit of a journey, figuring out the best combo of treatments, but hey, that's parenting in a nutshell, isn't it? We roll with the punches, we learn, we grow, and we do our best for our little ones. Just remember, we're all in this together.

If a kiddo isn't feeling a certain type of treatment, we shouldn't force it. I mean, imagine if we were in their shoes. It's pretty helpful to chat about what's going on, the disorder, the symptoms. But most importantly, we really need to make sure the treatment level matches what they're going through. It's all about that balance.

Lifestyle Changes to Help With Depression In Children

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that changing your daily routine is a cure-all for depression in kiddos. But, when you pair it with professional help, it can make a world of difference. Just a few tweaks to their lifestyle can work wonders as part of an overall plan put together by a mental health pro.

To combat depression, parents should encourage their children to:

  • Eat a balanced diet that consists of healthy foods
  • Get at least eight hours of sleep a night
  • Identify triggers that may cause stress and find effective ways to address them
  • Incorporate physical activities into an everyday routine (e.g., ride bike, walk through the neighborhood, jogging, dancing)
  • Practice relaxation techniques (e.g., visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, prayer, meditation, or yoga)
  • Practice self-care techniques when feeling sadness (e.g., take a break, go for a walk, ride your bike)

While these lifestyle changes may be helpful, mental health treatment is key in addressing symptoms related to depression.

*The information in this article is meant to be informative and educational in nature.  If you feel that you or your child has depression, please consult your doctor or pediatrician. If there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

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