How to Spot Depression in Children
Sadness is a normal feeling for all children to experience from time to time, along with other mood swings. Sadness may follow the child experiencing something upsetting or disappointing, such as having a negative social experience, losing or breaking something important to them, or getting a bad grade in school. After some time has passed, children will start to feel better again and return to their emotional baseline.
Sometimes, a child’s sadness may be more than the typical emotional response we might expect. If your child is experiencing sadness over a long period of time, overall low mood, or it seems like their sadness is becoming a part of their personality, your child may be experiencing depression. Depression affects a child’s mood, thinking, and behavior. It can show up in all areas of life, including at home, school, with friends, and extra-curriculars.
Here are some of the common signs of depression in childhood:
o If your child appears sad, low, or hopeless for more than 2 weeks, your child may be experiencing a depressive disorder.
o Other emotions may accompany the sadness, such as increased irritability, frustration, and anger.
o Your child’s behaviors may be impacted, such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or relationships with others. They may be more tired and experience low energy, or experience nightmares.
o They display physical symptoms like a stomach or head ache, but there does not appear to be a physical cause.
o Your child may experience loss of enjoyment in activities they once loved, such as hobbies, sports, clubs, or school.
o Your child is isolating themselves away from family members, friends, and loved ones
o Your child may say negative things about themselves or feel worthless, and display low self-esteem.
o If their depression is severe, they may have thoughts of hurting themselves or suicidal thoughts.
Types of Depressive Disorders
There are several types of depressive disorders to be aware of, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) occurs if there are depressive symptoms that occur within episodes that last for at least 2 weeks. Your child may feel sad, hopeless, or angry along with other symptoms listed above.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is when there are depressive symptoms that are typically milder that MDD, but last longer, coming and going for several months or years.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is present when there are depressive symptoms that come and go with the seasons, often fall or winter, but can occur during any season.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can occur at the start of puberty. This set of depressive symptoms co-occurs with a child’s menstrual cycle, typically marked by an increase in depressive and anxious symptoms approximately 1 week before the start of their menstruation. Every day problems may feel like impossible obstacles, and come with markedly uncomfortable physical symptoms.
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood is a diagnosis given if the child has experienced a stressful or traumatic event, and is experiencing depressive symptoms as a result for over 1 month.
What Causes Childhood Depression?
Depression has been linked to several factors, although there is non-conclusive evidence about direct causes of depression. There is no one cause for childhood depression, and there is no way to completely prevent childhood depression. However, there are some factors that can contribute to depression in childhood, such as:
Genetics
Family history
Traumatic experiences and stressful life events
Physical illness or injury
Substance use
There are also some potential risk factors that can increase likelihood of childhood depression but are not direct causes of depression. These factors include:
A close family member with depression
The child already has other mental health disorders such as anxiety, ADHD, autism, or conduct issues
The child has a medical history such as chronic illness, traumatic brain injury, or low birth weight
Being Female
Puberty
Stressful childhood experiences
Loss of a loved one, loss of friendship, loss of a romantic relationship
Family conflicts or problems with friends
Seeking a Diagnosis
If you recognize signs of depression in your child, schedule a visit with your pediatrician who can provide further testing for both mental and physical health symptoms that can contribute to depressive symptoms. They may refer you to a mental health provider for a more in-depth assessment, or suggest medication depending on your child’s circumstances.
Your pediatrician may also do some physical tests first to rule out physical causes of depressive symptoms. Health issues known to cause depressive symptoms include:
Anemia
Vitamin D deficiency
Diabetes
Thyroid issues
Epilepsy
Mononucleosis (Mono)
Concussion
When you are connected to a mental health professional, the therapist may recommend several treatments based on your child’s age, symptoms, or circumstances. Common treatments for depressive disorders in children include individual therapies such as Play Therapy, Art Therapy, CBT, and DBT. It is likely that your therapist will want to have individual parent sessions to help guide you to implement tools and skills at home. Your therapist may also recommend Family Therapy sessions either with them or another therapist to help build connection, communication, and practice using at-home techniques.
How You can Help Your Child at Home:
If your child is experiencing depressive symptoms or has been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, the most helpful thing you can do for them is to listen closely and support while they go through hard times.
Show them that you are listening by saying back to them how they feel. Your child will show you what they are feeling with their words, tone of voice, and body language. Summarize what they have shared, and ask if you’ve understood them correctly.
Show them you care by stating how feeling that way must be so hard, and let them know that you are there to support them. Ask them how you can help, and if they have any ideas what might help them feel better. Ask if they are okay with questions or suggestions, and talk to them with patience, compassion, and love.
Additional approaches to helping your child through their depression may include:
Gently encouraging them to do things they normally enjoy, such as spending time with friends, doing something creative, or going to a park.
Creating balanced family routines that make time for movement, relaxation, and socialization.
Helping your child get enough sleep by creating bed time routines and reducing screen time before bed.
Help improve your child’s self-esteem by using praise of their accomplishments, talents, or efforts with a focus on what they actively did or chose to help them feel empowered, strong, and proud of themselves.
Connect with your child’s teacher, school counselor, or school social worker to find ways to give your child support at school.
With patience, compassion, and the right kind of help, your child’s depressive symptoms can be managed and improve over time.
Resources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14938-depression-in-children
https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/health-daily-care/school-age-mental-health-
concerns/depression-5-8-years