Depression affected approximately one in every 33 children and as many as one in every eight teenagers in the United States in 2008, according to KidsHealth from Nemours. All children experience times of feeling sad or disappointed. Depressed children, however, report feeling hopeless about everything for weeks, months or longer. They often describe their world as a difficult place that will never change. Treatment, which might include medication, psychotherapy or both, can help depressed children and teens overcome such feelings.
Step 1
Learn the symptoms, causes and standard treatment options for depression. Monitor your child or teen for signs such as a decreased interest in activities she once enjoyed, unexpected weight loss or weight gain and frequent complaints of boredom or low energy, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Watch also for poor concentration, alcohol or drug abuse, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, irritability or anger and comments about suicide or self-destructive behavior.
Step 2
Talk with your child about your concerns, and schedule an appointment with his physician to get an evaluation started. Request a referral to a local psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor once your doctor rules out physical causes for his symptoms. Find another therapist if your child does not seem to bond with your first choice. Ask your child's teacher, guidance counselor or school counselor for help if necessary.
Step 3
Follow the treatment plan recommended by your child's therapist or psychiatrist. Make sure you understand instructions about medications her doctor might prescribe, and give them to her regularly as directed. Read the label carefully, monitor for side effects and report concerns to your physician. Make sure she arrives to her counseling sessions as scheduled and on time. Participate in family therapy sessions if asked.
Step 4
Encourage healthy eating and regular physical activity, which may help improve your child's mood. Because depressed children often isolate themselves from others, which can worsen a low mood, try swimming, riding bikes or taking walks as a family. Join a parent-child dance class, take karate lessons together or get involved in another activity that interests your child.
Step 5
Remind your child often that you love and care for him and will continue to support him. Ask him to share his feelings, even the negative ones. Remain positive about treatment outcomes and his ability to work through this, but avoid dismissing his depression by telling him to cheer up or snap out of it.
Tips and Warnings
- See a counselor if you need support in dealing with your own feelings about the issues surrounding your child's depression. If you feel your child is not progressing in therapy, discuss your worries with her counselor and seek a second opinion if necessary.
- Call your doctor or mental health professional immediately if your child talks about suicide, starts giving away personal belongings or becomes preoccupied with death.
