How To Know If A Child Is Depressed

So What Signs Of Depression Should You Be Looking Out For With Children With Autism

There are some symptoms which can be linked with depression more commonly noted in individuals on the autism spectrum.

• More severe or frequent repetitive/compulsive behavior
• Have or have more tantrums, aggressive behavior or showing signs of intense frustration
• Be more agitated than normal
• Begin hurting themselves such as hair pulling or hand-biting
• Find it harder to do everyday things in different environments
• Seem to be obsessed with death or talk about suicide
• Becoming more withdrawn than usual
• Having trouble sleeping

While there does seem to be a link between ASD and mood disorders, researchers are yet to identify a specific link, although some think it might be genetic. A possible trigger might be the realization that he/she is different than friends and family. Children also may find it more difficult to cope with pressures and social interaction when they begin school. They may struggle to make friends, which could make them feel lonely.

Helping A Depressed Teen Tip : Encourage Social Connection

Depressed teens tend to withdraw from their friends and the activities they used to enjoy. But isolation only makes depression worse, so do what you can to help your teen reconnect.

Make face time a priority. Set aside time each day to talktime when you’re focused totally on your teen, without distractions or trying to multi-task. The simple act of connecting face to face can play a big role in reducing your teen’s depression. And remember: talking about depression or your teen’s feelings will not make the situation worse, but your support can make all the difference in their recovery.

Combat social isolation. Do what you can to keep your teen connected to others. Encourage them to go out with friends or invite friends over. Participate in activities that involve other families and give your child an opportunity to meet and connect with other kids.

Try to reduce their social media use. Remind your teen that social media isn’t an ideal substitute for face-to-face interactions. Encourage them to turn off their phoneor at least disable notificationswhen socializing in person, focusing on work, or preparing for bed.

Get your teen involved. Suggest activitiessuch as sports, after-school clubs, or an art, dance, or music classthat take advantage of your teen’s interests and talents. While your teen may lack motivation and interest at first, as they reengage with the world, they should start to feel better and regain their enthusiasm.

Helping Kids With Depression Get Treatment

Some teens will want to go to therapy when you ask them and some wont. For those who are resistant, know that they arent going to suddenly open up to the idea of therapy quickly, but you can help guide them towards treatment by opening the door and then waiting patiently for them to walk through it.

Try saying, I know youre having a hard time, and I have some ideas of things that could help. If youd like to talk with me about them, let me know. Im here for you. Its also a good idea to ask them if they has any suggestions on how you might be able to help. You might be surprised with what they have to say.

Be aware that your teen might tell you to back off. Thats fine its their way albeit a slightly irritable one of telling you that they need space. Its normal for teenagers to want independence, and its important for you to respect that. You can respond by saying, Ill give you more space, but know that Im here for you if you ever want to talk or hear my suggestions.

If they do come to you wanting help, be prepared. Do your research. Find two or three therapists they can interview and tell them that they can choose the one that they feel most comfortable with, and think will help the most. Finding a therapist who is a good fit is extremely important, and making the choice theirs will help them feel ownership over their own treatment, which is extremely important to teens and sets the stage for effective therapy.

Recommended Reading: How You Know You Have Depression

Suicide Warning Signs In Depressed Teens

Seriously depressed teens, especially those who also abuse alcohol or drugs, often think about, speak of, or make attempts at suicideand an alarming and increasing number are successful. So it’s vital that you take any suicidal thoughts or behaviors very seriously. They’re a cry for help from your teen.

How Can I Help My Child With Depression

Medication can have an important role in the treatment of depression in children and teenagers, and it is especially indicated for cases of severe depression. “If a child is too depressed to engage in therapy, medication can kick-start engagement and get them to better engage with therapy and benefit from it,” says Dr. Holland. However, parents may find it reassuring to know that medication is not always necessary when treating depression in children.

Studies have shown that in the majority of cases, therapy is as effective or more effective than medication alone when it comes to treating depression in children and adolescents. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is one common type of therapy that research has shown to be effective for childhood depression treatment. For very young children or those with limited language skills, research indicates that play therapy is the preferred approach.

If you’re concerned that your child may be experiencing symptoms of depression, consider the following steps to help:

Don’t Miss: How To Deal With Depression And Anxiety During Pregnancy

Signs Your Child May Be Depressed

University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s

When your teen snaps at you for having the gall to say hello to them in the morning and wakes up mad at the world, it can be easy to dismiss this behavior as normal adolescent moodiness.

But what may seem like an attitude problem may actually be a sign of depression, says pediatric psychologist Kimberly Burkhart, PhD.

It can be hard for parents at times to tell the difference between a typical response to everyday stressors and true depression.

If youve noticed a consistent change in mood and/or loss of interest lasting for two weeks or more, you should consult a professional, Dr. Burkhart says.

Its typical for children to feel angry and sad sometimes, but when someones clinically depressed he or she is feeling sad, irritable, lacking interest in enjoyable activities and perhaps even feeling hopeless for most of the day, the majority of the days, she says.

In children and adolescents who are depressed, you may notice more irritability and loss of interest rather than just sadness or a depressed mood, she says. With depressed children, you may see an externalizing response, such as frequent temper outbursts or aggressive behavior.”

Changes In Sleep Patterns And Activity

Teens who have depression often show changes in their sleep patterns. Some of these teens may suddenly exhibit insomnia and have significant trouble sleeping, while others may sleep far more than usual, said Dr. Falcone.

She added that changes in activity level may also be a warning sign of depression in teens. Some teens may show slowed movements and a lower activity level than usual, while others may seem physically agitated and move more than usual, doing things like nervously pacing, chewing nails, or wringing the hands.

Don’t Miss: How Do You Get Over Depression

Signs And Symptoms Of Depression In Children

If you notice any of the following signs in your child, and these signs last longer than about 2 weeks, your child might have depression.

Changes in your childs emotions or behaviour You might notice that your child:

• seems sad or unhappy most of the time
• is irritable, cranky or aggressive, wont do what you ask most of the time, or has a lot of temper tantrums
• says negative things about themselves for example, Im not good at anything or No-one at school likes me
• feels guilty for example, your child might say Its always my fault
• is afraid or worried a lot
• keeps saying their tummy or head hurts, and these problems dont seem to have a physical or medical cause.

Changes in your childs interest in everyday activities You might notice that your child:

• doesnt have as much energy as they usually do
• doesnt want to be around friends and family
• isnt interested in playing or doing things they used to enjoy
• has problems sleeping, including nightmares
• is eating differently for example, theyre eating more or less food than usual
• has problems concentrating, remembering things or making simple decisions.

Changes in your childs behaviour or academic performance at school If your child is at school, you might also notice that your child:

• isnt doing as well academically as they used to
• isnt taking part in school activities
• has problems fitting in at school or getting along with other children.

What Causes Depression

Depression can happen as a reaction to something like abuse, violence in school, the death of someone close or family problems like domestic violence or family breakdown. Someone might get depressed after being stressed for a long time. It can also run in the family. Sometimes we may not know why it happens.

Read Also: Is Binge Watching Tv A Sign Of Depression

When To Seek Help

Parents and guardians should seek out professional help if their children exhibit significant changes in behavior or if these symptoms last longer than two weeks. Talk to your family physician or schedule an appointment with a therapist. Depending on the situation, they may prescribe medication, talk therapy, or a combination of both to help your child. Schwenk says its important to let your kids know that no matter what theyre dealing with, it is okay and very brave to seek and ask for help!

Its also important to note that if left untreated, symptoms of depression can worsen and potentially lead to thoughts of suicide. If you think your child or adolescent is suicidal, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911 in case of an emergency.

Depression in children and teens is treatable. With the right tools, resources, and support, you can help your child recover and develop strong coping skills to build resilience in the face of difficult situations.

To learn more about identifying stress, anxiety, and depression in different age groups and what you can do to help, check out our webinar, How To: Support Your Kids as They Begin the 2020-21 School Year. You can also visit our Key Services page to learn more about the treatment methods we offer and to explore our list of additional health and wellness classes to support your childs overall mental health.

Check out our other posts!

Involve Your Child In Treatment Choices

When choosing a specialist or pursuing treatment options, always get your teen’s input. If you want your teen to be motivated and engaged in their treatment, don’t ignore their preferences or make unilateral decisions. No one therapist is a miracle worker, and no one treatment works for everyone. If your child feels uncomfortable or is just not connecting’ with the psychologist or psychiatrist, seek out a better fit.

You May Like: Coping With Severe Depression And Anxiety

Encourage Them To Think About What They Enjoy Doing

Take a step-by-step approach towards helping them do these activities when they feel able to. This could be things like exercising or playing sport, listening to music, doing something creative like colouring or drawing, watching a favourite film, reading a favourite book or going for a walk with you.

About Depression In Children

Its common for children to feel down, be cranky or think negatively this is part of healthy development and learning to manage emotions. But childhood depression is more than just feeling sad, blue or low.

Depression in children is a mental health problem that affects childrens thinking, mood and behaviour. Children experiencing depression often feel negative about themselves, their situation and their future.

If your child has depression, it can be hard for your child to learn, make friends and make the most of daily life. If depression goes on for a long time without treatment, children can fall behind at school, lose confidence in themselves and become more withdrawn.

Children who have the right care can recover from depression. Your GP can connect you and your child with professionals who can help. And your love and support also plays a big part in helping your child recover.

If your child says anything about suicide or self-harm like I wish I was dead or I dont want to wake up anymore you should take this seriously. Seek professional help straight away from your GP or your local child and adolescent mental health service, or ring Lifeline 131 114. If youre really worried about your child or yourself, and ask for help, or go to the nearest emergency department.

You May Like: How To Get Wife Out Of Depression

Changes In Eating Habits Or Weight

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reviewed the role of weight in depression in teens, and found that girls who were overweight or obese were nearly twice as likely to have depression as girls who had a healthy body weight. If your child seems tormented about weight, it could be a sign of depression.

Changes in eating habits are also a sign of teen depression, said Bea. Look for suddenly eating significantly more or less or sudden changes in weight, and talk with your teen about what may be bothering him or her.

Does My Child Need Counseling

To know when to seek counseling for your child, parents should look for noticeable changes in behavior, such as decreased interest in fun activities, social isolation or statements such as “I don’t want to be alive anymore.” A mental health professional can help your child process these feelings and provide an appropriate diagnosis.

If you are unsure if your child needs counseling for depression, speak to a physician about your child’s symptoms. Teenagers in particular are at high risk for acting impulsively on feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts, so parents should seek professional help before those thoughts and feelings escalate.

Dr. Holland notes that teenagers may be resistant to counseling and therapy and recommends involving them in the process. Get their buy-in by asking them if they have a preference on a provider and listen to their feedback. Encourage your child to be patient at the beginning of counseling, as it can take a few sessions to develop a therapeutic relationship. However, if after a few sessions it becomes clear that your child is not comfortable with that provider, you can look for a new therapist. Ask your child what he or she did and didn’t like about that therapist, as this can guide your search for a new one.

You May Like: How To Stop Feeling Depressed For No Reason

When Should I Seek Help

If your child has signs of depression for 2 weeks or more, or if you are concerned that they may have depression, you should speak to your child’s doctor. The sooner your child can get help, the sooner they can start to feel better.

Your child’s doctor will be able to assess your child and build a mental health treatment plan with you. This is a plan which maps out the goals for treatment and includes the services and resources available to you.

If your doctor thinks that other health professionals, such as a paediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist, should be involved, they will be able to refer you to someone who can help.

If your child has been having occasional signs of depression or is just feeling sad, they could reach out to a school counsellor, friend or family member for help.

What Causes Preteen Depression

There are a number of different factors, both biological and environmental, that can contribute to the development of depression in preteens. In tweens, imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin can predispose to depression.

A combination of traumatic events may also trigger depression in some youths, as may a family predisposition to the disorder.

Recommended Reading: Icd 10 Code For Anxiety And Depression

When A Parent Is Depressed

…What kids want to know

• Guides & Publications
• When a parent is depressed … What kids want to know

Children have a lot of questions when someone in their family is sick. When the problem is about depression, it often becomes a secret that nobody talks about. When children don’t have answers to their questions, they tend to come up with their own, which may be incorrect and scary!

Every parent and child’s “beginning conversation” about depression will be different depending on the child’s age and ability to manage the information. You know your children best.

This information will help prepare you to take the first step. If you have already started talking to a child about depression, this information will give you details to keep the conversation going. It lists common questions children have about their parent’s depression, as well as suggestions for how to answer their questions.

What is depression? How does depression work?

• Depression is a disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts.
• When people are depressed, their brain works differently from when they don’t have a depression. Our brains help us to think, feel, and act in certain ways. So when people are depressed, they think, feel, and act differently from how they do when they’re well.
• Depression is not a weakness.
• Depression is a fairly common disorder, even though people don’t always talk about it.

What causes depression? How does it start?

Will the depression ever be fixed?