Depression in children and teenagers
Depression in children affects around 7% of young people.
The key to helping a child with depression is supporting them with talking about their feelings. Good self-care and positive activities and interests can also help.
Explore some of the common questions asked about depression in children and teenagers:
Signs of depression in children
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Low mood or persistent sadness
- Irritability/ moodiness
- Losing interest in things they normally like
- Exhaustion/ tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes to appetite
- Low confidence/ feeling worthless
- Feeling empty
- Thoughts about suicide or self-harming
Misconceptions about depression
Depression is much more than being 'fed up' or 'down'. It's not something that the sufferer can 'snap out of', or cheer up from. It also doesn't necessarily happen because of a sad situation occurring. It can be caused by a variety of things happening in the child's life.
Depression causes changes in the brain's chemistry, but can be worked through with counselling, life changes, support and/or medication.
When to seek professional help
If your child’s depression is concerning you then contact your GP and ask for an appointment. They can refer your child to a local mental health or counselling service for talking therapy.
How to support a child with depression
If you suspect your child maybe depressed the first step would be to talk to them. They might not be sure of why they feel depressed, but keep the dialogue ongoing anyway so they feel supported. They may be experiencing things that seem like no big deal to you as an adult, but avoid minimising or dismissing their feelings.
If they don't want to open up, suggest they speak to another adult in their life instead- perhaps another family member, or a teacher. Either way, be unwavering in your support and tell them that you are there for them if or when they want to talk.
Self-care
Self-care is important for recovery from depression in children. Aim to make sure they eat well, get lots of sleep and fresh air.
Self-care also means taking good care of your brain. Your child can do this in a number of ways, including:
- keeping a journal
- rainbow breathing, which is great for primary-aged children
- this relaxing meditation, which is perfect for teens
- making a self-soothe box
- making a list of the things they're grateful for every day.
Positive activities
Encouraging your child to try hobbies and interests can help with depression symptoms.
This needn't be expensive, and could be done at home alone, or with a family member or close friend.
Here are some ideas for nurturing activities they might like to try:
- stargazing
- reading
- baking or cooking
- mindfulness colouring
- drawing
- creative writing
- cycling
- walks in nature
- yoga or stretching
- knitting or crochet
- photography
- making a vision board of what makes them happy
- puzzles
- scrapbooking
- face mask and bath
- make friendship bracelets
- make an uplifting playlist
- try a new sport
- learn dance routines
- write a letter of encouragement to yourself
- learn to do something new
- go for a run
- make a photo book
- try geocaching
- decorate their room.
What should I do if I'm concerned for my child?
If you are concerned about your child then contact your GP as soon as possible for an appointment. The GP can discuss options with you for talking therapies in your area, or medication if they feel it is needed.
Online resources to help and support your child if they are experiencing depression:
-
Self-harm safety planSelf-harm safety plan
-
Self-harm: a guide for parentsSelf-harm: a guide for parents
-
Wellbeing plan for teenagersWellbeing plan for teenagers
Counselling support
Concerned about your child's mental health? At Spurgeons our counselling service provide individual counselling for children and young people, offering a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment so your child can build a trusting relationship with a qualified professional.