Depression in Children

Depression in children is more than just occasional sadness. It can deeply affect their mood, behaviour, and daily functioning. If your child is showing signs such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, or changes in their sleep or appetite, it could be time to seek treatment for child depression. Addressing these symptoms early can significantly improve your child’s mental health and well-being.

What the research says about child depression

Child depression, unlike occasional sadness, is a persistent low mood that interferes with your child’s social, emotional, and academic life. Children suffering from depression may feel sad most of the time and often display irritability. They might struggle to concentrate on schoolwork, experience changes in sleep patterns, and lose interest in their favourite activities. This kind of depression may also be associated with withdrawal from friends and school activities.

Common signs that a child may be struggling with depression include:

  • Lack of interest or enjoyment in usual activities
  • Feelings of tiredness or apathy
  • Increased anxiety and worry
  • Sluggish or fidgety behaviour
  • Difficulty sleeping, either sleeping too much or too little
  • Sadness, crying, or expressing feelings of being unloved
  • Difficulty concentrating, especially with schoolwork

 

Difficulties Often Seen Alongside Child Depression

Many children with depression also experience anxiety. They may show signs of clinginess, self-doubt, or fear that seems disproportionate to actual threats. Some children might have difficulties with learning, including concentration and memory problems. These struggles can often result in falling behind in school, which can further exacerbate feelings of hopelessness. Additionally, children with depression may exhibit disruptive behaviour, such as picking fights or showing aggression.

Physical health is often affected too—depressed children may experience frequent illness, such as colds, flu, or body aches.

 

What Drives Child Depression?

Child depression can be influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. Children with a family history of depression or anxiety are at a higher risk of developing similar mood disorders. Major life events such as loss, trauma, or changes like moving house, parental separation, or school transitions can also trigger depression in children.

 

Effective Treatment for Child Depression

When it comes to treatment for child depression, a range of therapies can help children and their families manage their feelings, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most widely recognised and evidence-based therapy for depression in children and adolescents. It involves helping children identify negative thoughts and behaviours and teaching them strategies to change these patterns.

In therapy, children are encouraged to re-engage in activities they once enjoyed, work on managing their moods, and develop coping strategies that can help them handle challenges. These approaches aim to help children regain control over their emotions and well-being.

Our psychologists are highly qualified, holding Master’s or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology.
We provide treatment for child depression using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other
evidence-based treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).