Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Children
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Children:
Persistent sadness or irritability
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep)
Fatigue or loss of energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Withdrawal from friends and family
Physical/somatic complaints without apparent medical cause (headaches, stomachaches)
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Common Causes of Depression in Children:
Biological Factors: Genetic factors, or chemical imbalances in the brain.
Environmental Factors: Family conflict, trauma, abuse (verbal or physical), or neglect.
Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, excessive worry, or unrealistic expectations.
Social Factors: Bullying (cyber or in-person), peer rejection, social isolation, or academic stress.
Chronic Illness or Disability: Physical health issues can impact mental health.
Tips/Questions for Parents to Talk to Children about Depression:
Create a Safe and Open Environment: Foster an atmosphere where your child feels safe expressing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.
Use Age-Appropriate Language: Tailor your language to your child's developmental level and listen actively, ensuring they can understand the concepts being discussed.
Ask Open-ended Questions: Instead of asking yes/no questions, encourage them to share more by asking questions like, "Can you tell me more about how you're feeling?"
Validate Feelings: Let your child know it's okay to feel the way they do and that their emotions are valid.
Normalize the Conversation: Explain that many people, including children, experience difficult emotions, and seeking help is a healthy and courageous step.
Emphasize Support: Reassure your child that you are there for them and that seeking professional help, such as talking to a therapist, is a positive choice.
Involve Professionals: If needed, consider involving a mental health professional to provide additional support and guidance.
Remember, if parents are concerned about their child's mental health, seeking consultation from a qualified mental health professional is crucial for a comprehensive assessment and appropriate intervention.
Often, it’s helpful that a parent or caregiver reflect on how they’re feeling or coping, and remember the flight rule to secure their own mask (well-being/emotions) before saving their child. Seek support from local parent groups, whether online or virtual, to provide a space to connect with others in similar situations. Once in an emotionally regulated place, parents can be most effective in helping their child.
TRAINING EDUCATION CENTER (TEC)
Training & Education Center (TEC) offers training to mental health service providers and others in the community to enhance the effectiveness of services provided to individuals facing mental health challenges and their family members.
We offer in-service training, technical assistance and guest lecturing for organizations, community groups and programs at the federal, state and local levels, academic institutions and conferences.
Meet our leadership at the Training and Education Center (TEC) and Allied Family Network (AFN), Kim Hunter-Bryant, LCSW, PMH-C, Program Manager of Clinical Services. Kim leads and creates programs to promote behavioral health hope, recovery, and resilience through education and support to families of adults and youth with behavioral health challenges, and training for providers and community groups.
Family Coping and Skill Development Online Courses
Getting Off the Emotional Roller Coaster: This 11-week Educational and skill development course is for family members, friends, and partners of adults described as having major depression, bipolar, and/or borderline personality disorder – with or without co-occurring substance use. This course is based on principles of mental health recovery and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Beyond Addiction: Supporting an Adult Son/Daughter – Skills for Hope and Effectiveness: This 6-week training and development webinar is tailored for parents of adults with addiction problems and coexisting mental health challenges. The webinar is based on the book Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change.
