Depression In Children
Every child will experience changes in their emotional world where their moods can change, which is typical for children. Where there are changes in mood which result in a child experiencing sadness, irritability, low mood, or not being motivated to do certain activities which they previously enjoyed, they could be displaying signs and symptoms of depression or low mood.
Children may appear to be withdrawn, have poor sleeping or appetite and may retreat from social situations. These can be gradual changes but can also emerge suddenly. Children may experience intense acute depression where they may have suicidal thoughts, may self-harm and may not be able to think towards the future. They may be able to express and articulate what is driving and tiggering a change in their mood.
Children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences or trauma may be more susceptible to experiencing depression and low mood. Stress can often be a factor in sustaining and maintaining depressive symptoms.
When children experience depressive symptoms, they can feel intense levels of helplessness and hopelessness which can have an impact on their overall functioning. Children who experience depression are of concern and may require help and support to manage, overcome and recover from their depressive symptoms.
Depression Symptoms
Parents/carers and other significant people can help assist a child in exploring things that could be causing their depression, known events or challenges a child has experienced. It is vital that children can be supported to become more aware of themselves, build resilience, self-esteem, confidence and they become empowered to trust their minds and bodies to responses and resolve the conflicts they experience.
As children mature, this process becomes more robust, and they can work through and understand their responses to potential situations. Depression can be very overwhelming where a child may feel incredibly stuck without the resources to think, understand, and cope with their depression and mood symptoms.
When depressive symptoms are not short term and have a significant impact on a child’s presentation, where they are displaying the core symptoms of depression, assessment and treatment should be explored. These impact on their psychological, physiological, and biological functions to a child. The main areas of significance are persistent low mood, and a constant displeasure in activities and interests which leads to feeling unmotivated to participate and enjoy things.
They may feel worthless, guilty, shame and may have thoughts regarding death, self-harm and suicide. A child may gradually withdraw and have poor concentration and experience intrusive and negative beliefs about themselves. When depression becomes sustained and is not seen as short term, a reaction to a situation or an event, it can become very distressing and overwhelming for a child. This is where depressive symptoms may turn into a diagnosable, treatable condition/disorder.
Depression
Around 3% of children and young people will experience depression which begins in childhood. Around 1 in 5 children will experience a major depressive episode which would be a diagnosable condition/disorder. This data in only in relation to children who have been diagnosed and there will be many more children experiencing symptoms who have not been diagnosed or may not have sufficient symptoms to meet a diagnosis. Presentations that may not reach a threshold for diagnosis does not inform or suggest that they not need help and support as diagnosis does not impact the needs and access for services.
Some symptoms of depression may be visible from a young age and may slowly impact a child’s way of functioning. There could be subtle ways this emerges, or it can be an extreme response to a situation. Some children may display some highly concerning responses to their depression, and it is important that risk assessments, reports, safeguarding, and safety plans are in place with regular oversight. It is essential that services work collectively to holistically support and assist children experiencing depression.
Depression
When depression becomes severe and becomes a part of everyday life it can be very intense, overwhelming, and can impact on a child’s ability to cope and function. They may experience intrusive thoughts, negative/critical thoughts and become very worried about their state of mind and levels of depression.
A child may withdraw, spend time on their own, and stop doing some of the things they enjoyed. Sleep and eating can sometimes be impacted. They may not socialise and be unable to complete tasks for school and there could be a significant change to their ability and capability to complete and keep on top of work. It can be significant to be mindful on the amount of work, times of the year with exams and other pressures in their education as this could impact on their depressive symptoms.
The way the child may present may be different in different settings. Depression can be crippling and very debilitating, and if treated and understood in childhood this may not continue into adulthood.
There are different types of depression in childhood; major depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), seasonal affective disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and dysthymia.
Understanding a child’s personality and ways of coping is important. Some children could be naturally sensitive, making them more susceptible to depression. There are genetic factors to explore, and changes and transitions can be impactful. Identifying triggers and building understanding regarding the onset and severity of their condition are important. Sudden changes like bereavements and other family challenges can increase depressive symptoms.
How We Can Help
Depression can intensify and become very consuming for a child. They may not know what is making them feel depressed. There could be hidden meanings to depression and a child may show this through their symptoms rather than being able to process, understand and apply action to mitigate their depressive symptoms.
At the children in mind service, we can treat, diagnose, and provide psychological interventions and medical interventions to help support, assist and enable a child to overcome and manage their depression. We provide help and support to parents/carers and networks supporting children and adolescences.
We work within the NICE guidelines and the assessment diagnosis is provided in line with the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder, 5th edition (DSM-5). We regularly review all care and treatment and will write thorough clinical reports. The service can manage and support the whole pathway of services and the clinicians working in the service are experts and highly experienced and knowledgeable in treating children and adolescents with mild to serve mental health difficulties.
At the children in mind service, we operate a highly sensitive approach and tailor services to meet the individuals needs. We are highly focused and committed to helping and supporting children and families and are always patient focused. We deliver services with transparency and welcome queries at any point of your assessment and treatment journey in the service. We do not use judgement, we promote recovery, and our aim/goal is for people to lead enhanced, fulfilled lives that enable them to achieve their aspirations and ambitions.
With Children in Mind, families gain not just professional support but also guidance, strategies, and confidence to help their children thrive in every aspect of life.
FAQS
How do I know if my child needs a neurodiversity assessment?
You may consider an assessment if your child shows persistent challenges with attention, communication, social interaction, learning, or emotional regulation. Early understanding helps access the right support and strategies at home and school.
What happens during the neurodiversity assessment process?
Our assessments follow NICE guidelines and are carried out by a multi-disciplinary team. The process usually involves parent consultations, child observations, standardised assessments (like ADOS-2 for autism), and teacher input. This ensures a holistic understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges.
Will the assessment identify autism, ADHD, and other conditions?
Yes. Our clinicians are trained to assess for multiple neurodevelopmental conditions. This helps identify whether your child’s difficulties are linked to one or several conditions, ensuring a full and accurate understanding.
Do you offer therapy online as well as in person?
Yes, we provide both in-person sessions at our Bristol location and secure online therapy for convenience.