What are the signs of depression in children and teens?
Depression is a common problem in teens, but you may be surprised to learn that early-onset depression can affect children as young as six years old. At any age, children and teens share symptoms that are similar to those in adults with depression, such as:
- Feeling sad, tearful, or depressed
- Not enjoying their usual activities
- Feeling tired and sluggish
- Spending less time with their friends
- Eating more or less than normal
- Gaining or losing weight
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feeling like everything is their fault
- Feeling like they’re not good at anything
- Having thoughts of suicide
Children and teens often have physical symptoms such as stomach aches, and adolescents may start to use alcohol or drugs.
What are the signs of anxiety in children and teens?
Anxiety becomes a concern for children and teens when their fear or apprehension is out of proportion to the situation, gets worse over time, or affects their daily life.
Your child or teen may have generalized anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or a specific phobia. They can also develop separation anxiety that persists long after they should be over normal childhood separation issues.
When children and teens have an anxiety disorder, they:
- Worry about many aspects of daily life
- Lose their self-confidence
- Become fearful about making mistakes
- Refuse to go to school
- Have frequent stomach aches or other health problems
- Feel panic when separated from parents
- Have difficulty sleeping or nightmares
- Fear a specific thing or situation
- Fear meeting or talking to people
- Avoid social situations
Severe anxiety affects their ability to succeed in school and in their social life.
How are depression and anxiety treated?
Depression and anxiety treatment involves evidence-based psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. Some children and adolescents may also need medication to help alleviate their symptoms.
The OCEC Foundation in-patient program offers intensive 24/7 care that includes individual and group therapy, while also teaching daily living skills and creating developmentally appropriate treatment plans. They also offer nutritional guidance to promote optimal mental and physical health.
The team believes in an approach to treatment that embraces family, LGBTQ+ individuals, and diverse cultures.
If your child or teen becomes depressed or anxious, help is available at OCEC Foundation. Call or schedule an appointment online.
