Is my kid depressed?

Have you noticed that your once giggly girl has suddenly become a grumpy goose? Has it seemed like your son has “woken up on the wrong side of the bed” every day this week? Or maybe your social butterfly is suddenly irritable and reserved when the neighbor’s kids come to play? Sometimes kids, like adults, experience “off” days. However, if you start to notice persistent differences in your child’s behaviors, this might be a sign of depression.

Here at Wingate Counselling, we want to give your family the tools you need to support your child’s mental health! I get it that navigating childhood mental health can seem tricky. Connect with me here for a personalized approach that best suits your family’s needs. In the meantime, here are some ways to better understand and recognize depression signs.

Understanding Depression in Children

I know what you’re thinking, “My child, depressed? What does he have to be depressed about?” But even children experience forms of depression. What we may label as “grumpiness,” “defiance,” or “having an attitude” could be a sign of inner sadness. According to the CDC, of children aged 3-17, approximately 1.9 million have a diagnosis of depression. This number tells us that childhood depression is something to be aware of, especially since the CDC’s data only includes diagnosed cases. Whether or not your child meets the criteria for a diagnosis does not mitigate a period of sadness or the need for additional emotional support.

How to Help Your Child with Depression

So, how does a concerned parent like yourself know if sudden grumpiness is a symptom of more significant concerns? Do a mental inventory of recent behaviors. Behavior is a child’s language and an excellent clue to their feelings. Notice changes in eating, sleeping, social engagement, activity level, and overall mood. New behaviors could be your child’s way of communicating their feelings.

When reviewing the changes in behaviors, look for patterns. There’s a difference between a grumpy child after a late night and a child that hasn’t seemed to have an appetite lately. After reflecting on your child’s behaviors, don’t be afraid to talk with your child if you notice new patterns or have reasons for concern. Find a quiet and private moment to reflect with your child on the changes you have noticed. Make sure to express your concern gently to help your child feel relaxed. Don’t be surprised if your child doesn’t have answers; reassure your child and validate their difficult feelings.

Going forward, show your child that talking about emotions is normal by modeling openness with your feelings at home. As an example, you might say, “I felt worried and confused, which means mixed up, when daddy was extra late coming home from work tonight. I was relieved and happy to see him when he finally got here!” This helps expose children to more complex feelings and normalizes experiencing a range of emotions. If you feel like you could benefit from learning more skills to support your child, or you think your child needs one-on-one support, connect with me for a free consultation!