Depression in Children
Depression in Children and Teens
Depression is often overlooked in children because children tend to show it differently than adults. It is suggested that at any given time, 5% of children suffer from depression with symptoms that can interfere with healthy, normal developmental processes of childhood. Without help, depression can interfere with school functioning, social functioning, self-esteem, and bonding with caregivers. In addition, depression can show in the form of aggressive and disruptive behaviors, causing increased problems in school and at home. Suicidal thoughts and actions are also very significant among youth who feel depressed, with suicide being the 3rd leading cause of death among children and adolescents (American Academy of Pediatrics). In addition, children who suffer from depression, especially when it is untreated or ignored, may begin to develop a more chronic depressive thinking style, which will set the stage for long-term effects throughout the course of the child’s life. It is not easy to recognize depression in children and adolescents, especially because symptoms tend to look different than they may in adults.
In preschool or young elementary age children you may see:
- Ongoing physical complaints (frequently visiting the school nurse for stomach aches, headaches)
- Loss of energy
- Talking negatively about him/herself
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Increase or decrease in typical emotions for the child (e.g., more irritable, tearful and crying, easily frustrated and angered)
- Eating and sleeping problems
- Talk about dying
In older elementary school children and adolescents the symptoms may include:
- Academic decline
- Social problems (isolates from friends, quits previously enjoyed activities)
- Lack of motivation
- Disruptive behavior at home or at school that is not typical for the child
- Aggressive behavior and irritability
- Talk about suicide
- Negative self-talk and seemingly low self-worth
- Eating and sleeping problems
Although some of these symptoms can be representative of other problems, it is important to assess whether or not these behaviors and observations are sudden changes for your child or adolescent. Often these behaviors are identified at home and at school as other problems such as ADHD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, many times, depression, which is often overlooked, can be the underlying cause of poor behavior or changes in behavior. It is especially important to remember that preschool children and young elementary school children do not have the vocabulary to express how they may be feeling. That is why at Equilibria Kids, our child specialists incorporate behavioral management tools, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy and creative arts activities to empower and teach children how to work through their depression and learn healthy and adaptive ways of expressing their feelings. With older children and adolescents, a thorough evaluation is completed at the start of treatment to help identify the most effective, research informed approach to treating their depression based on their needs and preferences.
If your child or teen seems to be struggling with depression, we can help.