Childhood Depression

Can Children Really Have Depression?

Yes. Childhood depression is different from the normal "blues" and everyday emotions that children go through as they develop. Just because a child seems sad doesn't necessarily mean they have significant depression.

But if the symptoms listed below become persistent or interfere with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, it may mean they have a depressive condition. Keep in mind that while depression is a serious issue, it’s also a treatable one.

What Are The Signs Of Depression In A Child?

How Can I Tell if My Child Is Depressed?

The symptoms of depression in children vary. Some children have "masked" depression, where a child's depressed mood presents by acting out or angry behavior. While this does happen, particularly in younger children, many children display sadness or low mood similar to adults who are depressed.

The primary symptoms of depression revolve around sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, and their mood easily goes up and down.

Signs and symptoms of depression in children include:

• Crankiness or anger
• Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Being more sensitive to rejection
• Changes in appetite, either increased or decreased
• Changes in sleep (sleeplessness or excessive sleep)
• Vocal outbursts, meltdowns or crying
• Trouble concentrating
• Fatigue and low energy
• Physical complaints (such as stomachaches and headaches) that don't respond to treatment
• Trouble during events and activities at home or with friends, in school, during extracurricular activities, and with other hobbies or interests
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Impaired thinking or concentration
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Not all children have all of these symptoms. In fact, most will show different symptoms at different times and in different settings. Although some children may continue to do reasonably well in structured environments, most kids with significant depression will have a noticeable change in social activities, loss of interest in school, poor academic performance, or a change in appearance.

Child Depression Test

There is not one specific test that will determine if your child is depressed. At NPS we conduct a structured interview in the form of an intake of both parents or caretakers. Sometimes we will interview a child if necessary. If your child is experiencing any of the above listed symptoms persistently or the symptoms are interfering with their life at home or school, call us to set up an appointment. Based on the information collected, it can be determined what is causing your child’s symptoms and a plan can be made to intervene.

Sometimes, we only need to coach and meet with the parents to facilitate any changes needed in your child’s life. Other times, play therapy, which is designed specifically to help children in counseling is warranted and we will meet with your child and you alone and sometimes together. We always include our parents in the counseling process. 

What Causes Depression in Children?

As in adults, depression in children can be caused by any combination of things that relate to physical health, life events, family history, environment, genetic vulnerability, and biochemical disturbance. Depression is not a passing mood, nor is it a condition that will go away without proper treatment. 

Children with a family history of depression are also at higher risk of depression. Children who have parents with depression tend to have their first episode of depression earlier than children whose parents don’t have the condition. Children from chaotic or conflicted families, or children and teens who abuse substances like alcohol and drugs, are also at greater risk of depression.

How Can Parents Help A Depressed Child?

There are multiple factors that can be contributing to the cause of your child’s depression. Since it ranges anywhere from situational to underlying genetic factors and biochemical factors, it will be determined by the our therapists which direction to take and how to best support your child. Many times, counseling the child directly is not necessary. We can work with just the parent to address a child’s depression. 

How Can Teachers Help A Depressed Child?

It is important that a teacher who notices any of the above listed symptoms communicate this to the parent(s) so that immediate action can be taken. 

Support For Parents With A Depressed Child

We recognize the critical importance of not only including the parents in the counseling sessions but also supporting their needs as well. Divorce, family death, life stressors can all impact family members. We have counselors available to come alongside the parents when their own life stressors are weighing them down. We want the whole family to feel good and enjoy life. 

Medication For Childhood Depression

Medication is not our first “go-to” for children suffering from depression. We are dedicated and have spent many years researching alternative options to medications. Please click this link to learn more about how we approach mental health conditions in a natural way. 

Parents should be particularly vigilant for signs that may indicate that their child is at risk for suicide.

Although relatively rare in youths under 12, young children do attempt suicide -- and may do so impulsively when they are upset or angry. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide, but boys are more likely to actually kill themselves when they make an attempt.

Children with a family history of violence, alcohol abuse, or physical or sexual abuse are at greater risk for suicide, as are those with depressive symptoms.

Warning signs of suicidal behavior in children include:

• Multiple depressive symptoms listed above
• Social isolation, including isolation from the family
• Talk of suicide, hopelessness or helplessness
• Increased acting-out of undesirable behaviors
• Increased risk-taking behaviors
• Frequent accidents
• Substance abuse (more typical above the age of 12)
• Focus on morbid and negative themes
• Talk about death and dying
• Increased crying or reduced emotional expression
• Giving away possessions

Take the time to listen to their concerns. Even if you don't think the problem is of real concern, remember that it may feel very real to them. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open, even if your child seems to want to withdraw. Try to avoid telling your child what to do. Instead, listen closely and you may discover more about the issues causing the problems. Ask open ended questions and respond with “tell me more about that.”  

If you feel overwhelmed or unable to reach your child, or if you continue to be concerned, seek professional help. At NPS, we are here to help you and your child.

Childhood Depression FAQs

People have a lot of questions regarding Childhood Depression and that makes sense because so many more children and parents are struggling due to the impact of the pandemic on our families. 

Does Childhood Depression Go Away?

Left untreated, childhood depression does not usually go away on its own. It can linger and evolve into anxiety, school performance issues, substance abuse in teen years and affect a child’s social and home life. Many adult mental health struggles can be traced to childhood depression that was not addressed. 

How Common Is Childhood Depression?

Up to 3% of children and 8% of adolescents in the U.S. have depression. The condition is significantly more common in boys under age 10. But by age 16, girls have a greater incidence of depression.

Bipolar disorder is more common in adolescents than in younger children. But bipolar disorder in children can be more severe than in adolescents. It may also happen with, or be hidden by, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or conduct disorder (CD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). 

How Does Childhood Trauma Cause Depression?

For any child experiencing trauma, we recommend that you talk with a trauma informed counselor. It is important to understand the impact and signs to look for when a child or family experiences trauma. It is not true that “time heals all things.” We are trained in the effects of trauma on a person’s life and how to help them navigate it to restore the person to balance for mind, body and soul.