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What is Depression like for Children and Teens?

Depression in this age group is like any other medical illness. It affects your mental and physical health. Anyone can have depression. Depression in children and teens is far more common than most people realize and affects school-age girls and boys equally. After puberty, girls are twice as likely as boys to be depressed. Ten out of 100   teens get seriously depressed each year, and many more have mild levels of sadness or the blues. About 1 in 10 children without known problems has suicidal thoughts.  It is important to know that it is not your or your child’s fault. Children and teens who are depressed may have different symptoms than adults.

Younger children who are depressed may:

• Have a poor appetite and/or weight loss

• Feel sad or hopeless

• Not enjoy playing as much as usual

• Worry more.

Older children who are depressed may:

• Be anxious or have trouble focusing

• Be angry and act out or lose their temper more

• Have changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)

• Not want to go to school or other social activities

• Complain of feeling sick often

• Seem less confident or feel like they can’t do anything right.

What Are the Causes of Depression in Children?

There is no single answer to the cause of depression. Genetics, health conditions, and life events can be factors.  In most cases several factors combine to create the condition. The child’s environment, especially if it is unhappy and stressful, is often a major cause.  Here are other things that can contribute to depression in children and teens.

• Your family moves to a new place to live.

• Your child has to change to a new school.

• A pet, friend, or family member dies.

• Someone in your family is very sick.

• Your child experiences bullying or a form of abuse.

• Your child suffers from behavioral problems, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

When to see the doctor

If you notice symptoms for 2 or more weeks, it might mean that your child is depressed. Your doctor can do an exam and refer your child to a specialist. This may include a counselor, therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Your child can talk to them about what and how they feel. Family counseling can help everyone in your family. A combination of counseling and medicine can help treat depression in most young people.

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Who to call in an emergency
Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if you think your child or teen is having thoughts of suicide. Local options also include the North Star Hospital 907-258-7575 (1-800-478-7575) or the 24 hour crisis hotline 907-563-3200.  Call 911 if your child attempts suicide.

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Questions to ask your doctor

• How can I tell if my child or teen is depressed?

• What can I do to help prevent depression?

• What types of medicine help treat depression in children and teens? What are the side effects?

• Can you recommend a support group for my child or teen who is depressed?

What If My Child Should Mention Suicide?

Sometimes a child mentions that he or she does not want to live. If your child mentions suicide: Take it seriously. Talk to your child. Ask if he or she has made a plan for suicide. If so, it is more serious.

If suicide is mentioned or if an attempt is made, seek professional help immediately. Do not assume your child is just looking for attention. Don’t ever dare a youngster who mentions suicide to “go ahead.” You may think it’s a bluff, but he or she may take the dare.

How Can a Parent Help?

You can be very helpful to your depressed child. Some suggestions include:  Be supportive -- listen to what your child has to say. Encourage him or her to keep talking. If your child can’t talk well with you, perhaps he or she can talk with a sibling, aunt, friend, teacher, or healthcare provider. Encourage your child to describe or write down how he or she feels. Don’t get angry if he/she describes unhappy feelings. If the problem is severe, worrisome, or lasts more than 2 weeks, get professional help.  Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have any concern that your child may be depressed.

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What Are the Treatments for Depression?

• Treatment is possible and typically quite helpful. The choice of treatment depends on the cause of the problem, the severity of the depression, and whether suicidal thoughts are present. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, is the primary treatment for mild to moderate levels of depression. By meeting regularly with a therapist, your child can find out the causes of his/her depression, and then learn ways to help deal with it. Studies show improved outcomes when the family is involved in the treatment.

• Medication can be an effective part of treatment. Antidepressants have few side effects and are not habit-forming or addictive.

• Finally, you should not feel guilty if your child is depressed. The important point is to realize that there is a problem and to get help for it. If you are concerned, be sure to talk to your child’s healthcare provider. Remember, depression in children and teens is treatable.

What Can I Do to Prevent or Help My Child with Depression?

• Stay involved in your child’s life. Spend time with your child regularly, even if it’s only a family dinner. Too often, parents respond to growing teenagers’ wishes for independence by withdrawing from their teens’ lives. The most important thing for parents to do is to be aware of and involved in their teen’s life.

• Support positive relationships by encouraging your teen to get involved in school, clubs, or community events. Help your teen find interests and activities where he or she can connect with other teens. Also, know where your teen is and what he/she is doing when they go out.

• Talk to your teen, and listen when he/she talks to you! Parents should initiate dialogue with their children as often as possible to enhance opportunities to discuss their problems and worries. Ask your teen about school and friends. Listen to his/her troubles and help find solutions.

• Teach your child coping and problem-solving skills; it also is important for you to role model positive ways of coping and dealing with stress.

• Know the warning signs of depression and be aware if your child shows any of these signs while talking to you, especially if he or she mentions suicide. Praise your teen’s accomplishments rather than finding fault with things he/she does. Teens need to feel that their parents care about them and that what they are doing is recognized.

• It is mainly the parent’s job to make sure that the child receives the treatment he or she needs. Make sure that your teen takes his/her medication and goes to counseling. Be supportive.

• For more information about depression in youth, feel free to contact us at Frontier Health Services. 

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Information on this page taken from various sources including: familydoctor.org, NIMH, AACAP, and NAPNAP