Understanding the signs of childhood depression and learning how to support your child through diagnosis and treatment.
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to childhood depression: situational stressors, biological influences, and hormonal changes associated with puberty. The child might not know how to express their emotions, so here are some outward signs that may indicate depression:
Loss of interest in things they previously found fun
Changes in sleep (too much or too little)
Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
Saying things like "I'm worthless" or other self-criticisms
Persistent fatigue and lack of motivation
If you have a younger child, watch how they play with their toys: do they frequently act out conflict in their play? Stressed children often display conflict in their play.
Start a Conversation
This signals that you are a safe person to talk to – even if your child doesn't open up right away.
Talk to them and observe how they respond. Ask how they are feeling and if they are alright. If they don't want to talk about it, don't push.
Avoid being overly persistent, as it can feel intrusive.
You can always ask again later. Just let them know that you are always there for them.
Encourage them to talk to another trusted adult if needed.
If you notice these signs, talk with your pediatrician. They can rule out other possible causes for the symptoms, such as anemia or chronic pain.
Additionally, they can recommend treatment providers and support resources.
One of the most important things you can do during this process is ensure that your child's physical well-being is taken care of, with proper nutrition and exercise.
A healthy body can better support mental and emotional healing.
There are two main types of evidence-based treatment for childhood depression: medication and therapy.
Your doctor or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. These antidepressants can take up to four to six weeks to be fully effective, so be patient with your child during this time.
Important: While these can be helpful, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. Review the information provided by your doctor beforehand to ensure that you know what to watch for.
Another recommended type of treatment for childhood depression is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. This therapy helps the child reframe their experiences and teaches them practical coping skills they can use in everyday situations.
CBT can take time to become effective as the child needs to build a bond of trust with the therapist
It may bring up difficult emotions while the child is learning to process them
Can be offered in individual or group settings
Parents may be invited to sit in and learn effective ways to support their child at home
Combined approach: Due to their extended timelines, therapy and medication are often combined by providers to improve outcomes. However, it is possible to begin with just one, depending on your child's needs and your preferences.
Here at Nugent Family Counseling Center, we offer multiple clinicians who are experienced in supporting families and children with depression. With locations in both California and Nevada, we offer a variety of services from individual and family counseling to medication management, all tailored to meet your family's needs.
Our goal is to support you and your child in learning to manage depression and help you both to thrive.
The team at Nugent Family Counseling Center brings decades of combined experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health challenges with compassion and expertise.
If you've noticed signs of depression in your child, we're here to help. Our experienced child and teen therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your family's needs. We serve families in California and Nevada with both in-person and telehealth options.