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How can I help a child with depression?
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Does treatment for Childhood depression work?
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How are childhood depression and adult depression treated?
Feb 2, 2024 · Changes in sleep patterns and distancing from friends are a few signs of depression in children. Knowing the signs can help you support your child.
- Learn the Warning Signs. It can sometimes be challenging to recognize depression in children, especially preschoolers (3-5 years old) who cannot or won’t talk about their feelings.
- Get Them Into Therapy. Depression is a real illness — it isn’t something a child can just snap out of. This is why kids need a structured and evidence-based treatment, such as psychotherapy, which helps them understand how their thoughts can impact their emotions and actions, and vice-versa.
- Consider Medication. Sometimes, therapy alone won’t be enough to treat depression, and this is where medication comes in. It’s usually prescribed for when symptoms worsen, and therapy alone fails to provide significant improvements.
- Don’t Freak Out if They Tell You They Are Having Suicidal Thoughts. A child contemplating dying can say things like, “I wish I were never born,” “Things would be better without me,” or “I won’t bother you anymore when I’m dead.”
- More than the blues
- What does depression look like in a child?
- Warning signs a child may have depression
- What causes childhood depression?
- Risks of childhood depression
- How to help a child who has depression
- How to find help for a child with depression
Childhood depression is different than a moody kid who sometimes seems down or upset. Children, like adults, have times when they feel “blue” or sad. Emotional fluctuations are normal.
But if those feelings and behaviors last longer than two weeks, they may be a sign of an affective disorder like depression.
Depression isn’t an adult-only illness. Children and adolescents can and do develop depression. Children may go undiagnosed and untreated because parents and caregivers may struggle to recognize the signs of the disorder.
Depression affects about 3 percent of U.S. children. The persistent sadness and symptoms can interfere with daily life, interrupting school and social activities.
Children with depression often experience many of the same depression symptoms as adolescents and adults do. However, children may have a hard time expressing themselves and these feelings because of their limited emotional vocabulary.
SYMPTOMS OF CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION
•sadness or low mood
•feelings of hopelessness
•feelings of worthlessness
•feelings of guilt anger or irritability
Warning signs of depression are emotions or changes that parents and caregivers can see for themselves.
Children may not be sure how to express their feelings to you, or they may be unwilling to. These warning signs can occur in children with depression:
•irritability or anger
•changes in behavior and temperament
•increased or decreased appetite
•increased or decreased sleep
Childhood depression may be the result of a combination of factors. These risk factors alone may not account for the mood disorder, but they might play a role.
These risk factors increase a child’s chances for developing depression:
•Physical health. Children with chronic or severe medical conditions are more likely to be depressed. This includes obesity.
•Stressful events. Changes at home, at school, or with friends can increase a child’s risk for depressive symptoms.
•Environment. A chaotic or stressful home life can put a child at greater risk for a mood disorder like depression.
•Family history. Children who have family members with mood disorders or depression may be more likely to develop depression at a young age.
Childhood depression is a serious condition, but it is treatable. However, if it’s not treated, children may experience consequences for many years to come.
These complications include:
•suicidal thoughts or behaviors
•worsening symptoms
•increased risk of developing depression that’s worse or prolonged later
•severe depressive episodes
Treatment for children with depression involves therapy and prescription medication. Some children may benefit from one of these — others may use a combination.
These are not lifelong treatments. Your child’s doctor will prescribe a treatment plan, and they’ll decide when it’s appropriate for your child to stop using it.
Treating childhood depression starts with finding the right provider and the right type of treatment.
These steps can help.
1. Talk with your child. While it may be difficult, try to have a conversation with your child about what they’re feeling and experiencing. Some children will open up. This will help you understand what’s happening.
2. Take notes. If your child will not talk with you, keep a diary of observable changes and signs. This can help a doctor see behavior trends.
3. Talk to the pediatrician. Your child’s doctor will first want to rule out physical issues that could account for the symptoms. This may require a series of blood tests and a physical exam.
4. Find a specialist. If your child’s pediatrician believes the issue is a mood disorder like depression, they may recommend you to a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. These doctors are trained to recognize and treat childhood depression.
What can I do if my child seems depressed? Talking with your child. It is important to openly talk with your child about what your child is feeling. Encourage them to share their feelings by listening without judgment. Often children or adolescents do not bring up the topic of their feelings but may respond honestly if you ask directly.
Nov 9, 2023 · How can I help my child with depression? The most important thing parents and caregivers can do for children with depression — or other mood disorders — is listen to them and support them. When you notice changes in their mood, ask questions.
Dec 27, 2018 · In order to help your child battle depression, you need to be alert and ready to react. Do your best to provide a supportive home environment and a great example; listen, talk and encourage. By making sure you have a healthy and open relationship with your child, you’ll be able to help them overcome depression.
Info Sheet. Self-Help Checklist. Screening Tools. Find Help and Support. External Links. Summary: It is normal for children and youth to feel sad (as well as angry and irritable) from time to time, but when these moods are so severe that it causes problems, it may be depression.
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related to: How can I help a child with depression?Learn About SPRAVATO® Including Safety Info & Locate Treatment in Your State. Find a Treatment Center in Your City Using the Locator Tool
Start your symptom checklist to have a more productive session at your doctor visit. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Get the support you need.
Help Your Doctor Better Understand Your Symptoms & See If This Add-On Treatment May Help. Share The Results With Your Dr. To Get The Conversation Started.
