What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that affects a person’s mood and may cause changes to their energy levels, internal thoughts and daily habits.

Depression may cause sadness, anger, irritability or hopelessness for two weeks or longer, impacting someone’s ability to function normally. Depression can also make activities and things kids used to enjoy feel less fun and meaningful, making them feel less motivated.

The exact cause of depression is unknown, but biological, psychological, environmental and social factors may contribute to the condition. Children are at increased risk if they have a family history of depression, if they have a chronic illness or if they experience stressful or traumatic life events.

Kids who don’t have many friends or who experience bullying may be at risk of depression. So may children and teens (including those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or those of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds) are afraid to be themselves and feel like they do not belong.

Warning Signs

There are a variety of warning signs for depression. Younger children who can’t express their feelings well may have more physical symptoms, while older children may show more mood-related symptoms.

When depression affects a child’s mood or emotions, they may:

• Feel sad, hopeless or empty
• Feel irritable or angry
• Lose interest in activities they enjoy
• Withdraw from friends and social activities
• Feel worthless
• Have low self-esteem
• Express guilt or shame
• Have difficulty concentrating or learning new information
• Experience suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting themselves

Depression may cause physical symptoms, including:

• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Fatigue
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Eating more or less than usual

What To Do

1. If you’re noticing any of these signs in your child, one of the best things you can do is have a conversation with them.
   • Provide your child with a safe space where they can discuss their feelings. This means being validating, listening closely and remaining calm. If they don’t want to talk, don’t push. Show your concern for them and remind them you’re willing to listen anytime.
   • Ask open-ended questions to find out what they’re going through and why their habits have changed.
   • When your child talks about something that’s bothering them, validate their feelings. Say things like, “It sounds like you’re feeling sad” or “That sounds like a really hard situation.” The validation will make them feel cared for and understood.
   • If your child seems to be engaging in very negative thoughts, you may want to consider helping them investigate and push back against those thoughts because we know what goes through our mind impacts how we feel.
   • If your child tells you about something that’s upsetting them, ask if they only want you to listen or if they’d like you to problem-solve or try to help.

2. If your child seems depressed and isn’t going anywhere or seeing anyone, encourage them to engage in activities that they usually enjoy, even if they don’t feel like it. They’ll benefit from spending time with people they like while doing fun things rather than being alone with their thoughts.

3. If your child is showing these signs of depression for most days for over two weeks, talk to your child’s pediatrician or school counselor for advice. Seek a referral to a therapist as needed.

One of the most important things you can do for your child at this time is give them hope and let them know you’re there for them. Ask them what they need from you and work through the next steps together.