Signs of Depression in Kids: What Parents and Caregivers Should Know

Understanding Childhood Depression

What Is Childhood Depression?

Childhood depression is a type of mood disorder that goes beyond just regular sadness or feeling down. 

Depression can affect virtually all areas of a child’s life, from their physical health to their relationships and overall functioning. 

In some cases, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of depression in kids because the signs may look different in children than in adults. However, there are some common signs of depression in kids that you can be on the lookout for. 

Learning to recognize the symptoms of depression in kids is important. It is also important not to wait for a child’s condition to resolve itself on its own, but rather to ensure they are taken to a mental health professional right away to get the help they need. 

How Is Childhood Depression Different From Normal Sadness?

Childhood depression goes beyond normal feelings of sadness, but is a mood disorder that can affect the quality of a child’s life and their overall functioning. 

While typical sadness will pass, depression will stick around for an extended period of time. It is often associated with a loss of interest in the types of activity that a child used to enjoy. 

Depression in children can also involve feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and even self-harm. Childhood depression can manifest itself in many different ways, including physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, and sleep disruptions. It can impact a child’s appetite and lead to fluctuations in weight. 

Professional assistance and treatment are often required to resolve childhood depression, while typical sadness will tend to go away on its own. 

What Are the Types of Depression in Children?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one type of depression that can be found in children. 

MDD involves experiencing severe feelings of depression that last for an extended period of time. It can be associated with irritability, a loss of interest in hobbies, and social withdrawal. This type of depression can also result in changes in appetite and sleep patterns. 

Another type of depression that can be found in children is persistent depressive disorder (PDD). Those with PDD may appear happy on the outside and may seem to be functioning as normal. However, they may still be experiencing persistent feelings of sadness and gloominess. This can go on for over a year and may require psychotherapy to treat. 

Another type of depression that can be found in children is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). Those with this condition may struggle with anger and frequent outbursts. These incidents go beyond the moodiness of a typical child or teen. DMDD can affect an individual’s relationships, ability to get along with others, and ability to function in school. 

Signs of Depression in Kids

What Emotional Signs Should Parents Watch For?

Some emotional signs of depression that parents should be on the watch for include: 

• Persistent sadness that does not pass over time 
• Frequent irritability or anger
• Loss self esteem 
• Thoughts of hopelessness or worthlessness 
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy
• Emotional withdrawal 

What Physical Symptoms Can Indicate Depression?

Some physical symptoms of depression that parents should look out for include: 

• Changes in appetite and weight
• Complaining of headaches and/or stomach aches 
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Lack of energy/frequent fatigue 
• Restlessness 
• Lack of physical care 

How Do Behavioral Changes Show Up in Children?

When a child is battling depression, it may not look the way you would expect depression to look on the outside. 

Some children can hide the symptoms of depression well, while it may appear more obvious in others. It can manifest in many ways, including behavioral changes that can be mistaken for “acting out.” For example, a child may struggle with anger or frequent outbursts. 

Some other behavioral changes that may show up in children could include: 

• Isolating oneself from friends and family members 
• Not performing as well as usual at school 
• No longer seeming motivated 
• Engaging in reckless behaviors (in the case of older children) 
• Changes in sleep or eating habits 

Can Tantrums or Irritability Be a Sign of Depression?

Yes, tantrums and irritability can both be signs that a child is struggling with depression.

In some cases, these things can be mistaken for “acting out” when they are really signs of a much deeper issue. 

Risk Factors

What Role Do Genetics and Family History Play?

Genetics and family history can both play a role in a child’s likelihood of experiencing depression. 

For example, suppose a child has a close family member who has struggled with depression or another type of mental health condition. In that case, that can result in them experiencing a higher risk of depression as well. 

However, it is important to note that just because a child has a parent or other family member who has struggled with depression does not mean that they are guaranteed to experience it too. 

How Do Stressful Life Events Impact a Child’s Mental Health?

Stressful or traumatic life events can play a significant role in a child’s mental health and can cause them to develop mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. 

Some of these life events may include: 

• Having parents who are going through a divorce 
• Experiencing bullying 
• Losing a loved one
• Moving or changing schools
• Experiencing abuse, violence, or frequent conflict 
• Feeling pressure to perform at school or in sports

Can Social Media Affect Children’s Mental Well-Being?

Yes, social media can affect a child’s mental well-being and can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in some cases. 

Some young children or teens may take part in unhealthy social media habits. This could include excessive or even obsessive social media consumption. It can also involve comparing oneself to others based on what is shared on social media. 

Many teens, in particular, may try to use social media to portray a perfect life when reality is very different from what is seen online. This can cause others to look at social media and feel envious or as if they’re not good enough. 

Others may also use social media to seek validation, particularly through how many likes they get or the number of followers they have. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem if these numbers are not where they believe they should be. 

It is important for parents to monitor their child’s social media usage and to encourage healthy social media habits. 

Some signs that a child’s social media usage may have become unhealthy could include: 

• Obsessively checking social media
• Missing out on sleep due to social media usage
• Decline in academic performance
• Obsessing over one’s appearance or social media status 
• Withdrawing from family members or friends
• Trouble concentrating 

How Are Other Mental Health Conditions Linked to Depression?

Other mental health conditions that may be linked to depression include anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

At Mind Works, we believe in a whole-person approach to treatment. Therefore, we prioritize treating co-occurring disorders simultaneously through an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to a child’s specific needs. 

Difference in Depression & Other Childhood Challenges

How Is Depression Different From ADHD or Anxiety Disorders?

Depression is a mood disorder associated with extended periods of sadness that can affect an individual’s overall functioning, while ADHD and anxiety are different types of disorders. 

There may be some overlapping symptoms between ADHD, anxiety, and depression. For example, they may all be associated with irritability, a lack of motivation, trouble focusing, or restlessness. However, the primary symptoms associated with each of these conditions are what set them apart from one another. 

In the case of depression, the primary symptoms are extended sadness, hopelessness, a lack of motivation, and social withdrawal. With anxiety, the primary symptoms include feeling consistently worried or tense, trouble sleeping, and headaches or stomach aches. In the case of ADHD, the primary symptoms often include trouble focusing or paying attention. 

When Is Low Mood or Low Energy a Warning Sign?

If low mood and low energy persist over time, this could be a warning sign that a child is experiencing depression.

It is important to always seek the guidance of a mental health professional if you believe that your child could be experiencing depression. 

How Do Substance Use and Depression Interact in Adolescents?

Some adolescents may turn to substance use as a way of coping with symptoms of depression. 

The result is often that the depression will become worse, and their mental health may decline in additional ways. This is considered a co-occurring disorder. At Mind Works, we specialize in treating co-occurring disorders. 

Finding Support for Your Child

When Should You Talk to Your Child’s Doctor or Pediatrician?

If your child’s symptoms persist over time without showing signs of improvement, it is likely time to talk to their doctor or pediatrician and share your concerns. 

There are some signs to look out for when considering if the time has come to reach out for professional help for your child. 

Some signs may include: 

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• No longer showing interest in hobbies that they once enjoyed 
• Withdrawing from family members and friends
• Frequently complaining of headaches or stomach aches 
• Exhibiting a declining performance at school
• Struggling to find motivation
• Showing signs of self-harm 
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits 

How Do Mental Health Professionals Diagnose Childhood Depression?

Mental health professionals will assess a child’s symptoms and will gain information from the child’s parent or caregiver to determine whether they meet the criteria for depression. 

Some things a mental health professional may look at could include a child’s mood, daily functioning, and family history. They may also check to see if there have been any stressful or traumatic life events that may have increased a child’s likelihood of developing depression. 

A mental health professional will also work on ruling out other potential causes behind a child’s symptoms. 

What Questions Should Caregivers Ask About Their Child’s Symptoms?

A caregiver should ask what they can do to best support their child and what sort of treatment plan may be recommended for them. 

Treatment Options for Childhood Depression

How Does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Help Kids With Depression?

CBT helps an individual become more aware of negative thoughts or behavior patterns and begin to shift to taking on more positive, healthier patterns. 

When Are Antidepressant Medications Recommended?

Antidepressant medications may be recommended if therapy on its own is not doing enough to reduce depression symptoms. 

What Role Does Family Therapy Play in Treatment?

Family therapy can help loved ones better understand what their child is experiencing and know how to best support them. 

This type of therapy can also help strengthen the bond between family members and improve communication between them. 

How Is a Personalized Treatment Plan Created?

A personalized treatment plan is created through a comprehensive assessment of your child, and with the direction of specific goals that they would like to achieve through treatment. 

Your child’s personalized treatment plan may also be based on specific factors such as family history and past trauma. 

Supporting a Child as a Caregiver

What Steps Can Families Take to Support Mental Well-Being at Home?

Families can encourage their child to continue practicing healthy coping skills and other things learned during therapy while at home. 

They can also do their part to encourage open conversation and to ensure that they always come from a place of compassion, not judgment, when interacting with their child. 

How Can Caregivers Encourage Open Conversations About Mental Health?

Caregivers can promote honest, compassionate, and non-judgmental conversations in which their children feel comfortable opening up about their mental health. 

How Do Family Members Help Reduce Feelings of Worthlessness and Low Self-Esteem?

Family members can work on building up their child’s mental health through encouragement, reassurance, and open conversation. 

They can also encourage positive self-talk and self-compassion. 

Recognizing Severe Symptoms

How Do Parents Recognize Suicidal Thoughts in Children?

Parents can look for verbal and behavioral signs to determine if a child is experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

For example, they may say things like “I’d be better off dead” or “I wish I were never born.” They may also take part in risky or self-destructive behaviors that show they may be having thoughts of suicide. 

What Should Caregivers Do in a Mental Health Emergency?

In the case of a mental health emergency, caregivers should seek immediate assistance by calling 911 or a crisis center. 

How Do Children’s Hospitals and Mental Health Services Provide Crisis Support?

Children’s hospitals and mental health services can help stabilize a child, provide access to therapists and other mental health professionals, offer support to parents and family members, and help to provide continuing care. 

Promoting Long-Term Mental Health and Support for Your Child

What Preventive Steps Reduce the Risk of Major Depression?

Maintaining connections with family members and friends, taking care of one’s physical health, maintaining healthy routines, and learning healthy coping skills can reduce the risk of depression. 

How Can Caregivers Foster Healthy Coping Skills and Self-Esteem?

Encouraging open conversations about mental health, creating an emotionally safe and stable environment, and using positive language can help foster coping skills and self-esteem. 

What Role Do Pediatric Care and Ongoing Psychiatry Play in Long-Term Recovery?

Pediatric care and ongoing psychiatry can help a child learn healthy coping skills for dealing with negative emotions and allow them to continue to become aware of negative thoughts or behavior patterns. 

FAQs

Can an 11-year-old have depression?

Yes, it is possible for an 11-year-old, or even someone younger than the age of 11, to experience depression. 

At what age is depression most common in children?

While depression can occur at any age, it is often most common for children in their pre-teen or teen years. 

This could result from a variety of factors, including biological changes, social pressure, or emotional stress.

Is it depression or ADHD?

Depression is associated with extended periods of sadness or hopelessness, while ADHD is most commonly associated with trouble concentrating and paying attention. 

Is depression a symptom of autism?

In some cases, depression can be associated with autism. 

It is important to always seek the support of a mental health professional to get a proper diagnosis. 

It is very difficult as a parent to watch your child struggle with depression. Some parents may feel helpless and unsure of what to do to best support their child. The good news is that professional treatment can help provide relief and improve your child’s overall quality of life. Through therapy, a child can build healthy coping skills and learn new ways to improve their mental health. If your child is struggling with their mental health, our team at Mind Works can help. Give us a call at (210) 366-3700 today to learn more about the types of services we provide. A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.