Signs of Depression in Your Children
Ryan Halberg
| 3 min read
Key Takeaways
- Depression in children can be linked to genetics, physical illness, stressful life events, substance use or bullying, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
- The CDC says persistent signs such as frequent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite or sleep, low energy, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or self‑injurious behavior may indicate depression.
- Parents should talk to a pediatrician or mental‑health professional, track the child’s sleep, eating and activity patterns, and encourage daily exercise, adequate rest and a safe environment, while listening and offering support.
About 3% of children from 3 to 17 have depression, and about 1 in 5 teens have been diagnosed with major depression, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Children may not always be able to express what they’re experiencing, so being able to recognize common signs of depression can play a crucial role in getting your children the help they need. Learn more about the common causes and signs of depression in children and how parents can best support their kids’ mental health.
Causes of depression in children
Research is still being done on the causes of depression in children and adolescents; however, experts believe that depression in children may be linked to one or more of the following factors, per the Cleveland Clinic:
- Genetics and family history
- Physical illness or injury
- Stressful life events, including divorce, separation, moving or death
- Substance use
- Bullying or other traumatic experiences
Common signs of depression among children
Occasional sadness or hopelessness is a natural part of every child’s life. However, if those feelings persist or worsen over time, they may be a sign of depression. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), examples of behaviors often observed in children with depression include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless or irritable a lot of the time
- Feeling uninterested in activities they used to enjoy
- Eating a lot more or less than usual
- Sleeping a lot more or less than normal
- Feeling sluggish or restless a lot of the time
- Difficulty paying attention
- Feeling worthless, useless or guilty
- Showing self-destructive behavior, including self-injury
How parents can help
If you’ve seen any of these common symptoms in your children, the best first step is talking to your child’s primary care provider or a mental health specialist about getting an evaluation. Consultation with a healthcare provider can also help determine if medication should be a part of the treatment plan. Tracking your child’s interactions, sleeping and eating patterns and energy levels can help you and your child’s healthcare provider identify trends and notice changes.
A mental health professional may recommend a therapy plan tailored to your child’s needs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used approach, specifically among older children, that helps them build healthier ways of thinking and coping, leading to more effective behavior.
Depression isn’t always preventable, and parents can’t perfectly monitor the stressors in their child’s life. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, parents can help support their child’s mental health by prioritizing daily exercise, sleep, well-balanced meals and ensuring they feel safe both at home and at school.
Ultimately, the most important thing parents can do for their children experiencing depression is to listen and support them. If you notice changes in their mood, ask questions about how they are feeling physically and how they feel about themselves.
If you are concerned about your child’s safety, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for free, confidential support. You may also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
For urgent, immediate support, click here for a list of crisis resource facilities open in Michigan and personalized care options. Learn more about mental health and options you have as a member to seek help at bcbsm.com/mentalhealth.
Photo credit: Getty Images
