Depression in children and teens

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can take the joy from a child's life. It is normal for a child to be moody or sad from time to time. You can expect these feelings after the death of a pet or a move to a new city. But if these feelings last more than two weeks, they may be a sign of depression.

Depression can range from mild to severe. In its most severe form, depression can cause a child to lose hope and want to die.

Even a young child can have depression that needs treatment to improve.

A child or teen may be depressed if they:

• Are irritable, sad, withdrawn, or bored most of the time.
• Do not take pleasure in things they used to enjoy.

A child or teen who is depressed may also:

• Lose or gain weight.
• Sleep too much or too little.
• Feel hopeless, worthless, or guilty.
• Have trouble concentrating, thinking, or making decisions.
• Think about death or suicide a lot.

The symptoms of depression are often overlooked at first. Depression may not look the same in a child or teen as in an adult. Also, it can be hard to tell the difference between depression and normal moodiness.

A doctor may do a physical exam and ask questions about your child's past health. The doctor may ask your child about their feelings, changes in eating habits, energy level, and interest in daily tasks. The doctor may also ask how well your child is sleeping and how well they can focus on tasks. This may be a talk between the doctor and your child, or your child may fill out a form. The doctor may also ask you questions.

The doctor may also ask questions about other problems. Children with depression often have other problems too, such as anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or an eating disorder. Finding other problems can help your child get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Some diseases can cause symptoms that look like depression. So your child may have tests to help rule out physical problems, such as a low thyroid level or anemia.

Depression is a mental health condition that affects the way you feel, think, and act. It causes symptoms such as low energy, loss of interest in daily activities, and sadness or grouchiness that goes on for a long time. You may sleep a lot or move or speak more slowly than usual. Teens with severe depression may see or hear things that aren't there (hallucinations) or believe things that aren't true (delusions).

Don't feel embarrassed or ashamed about depression. If you have depression, it's not your fault.

Your depression may get better with treatment. Medicines, counseling, and self-care can all help.

Be realistic

• If you have a large task to do, break it up into smaller steps you can handle. Then just do what you can.
• Think about putting off important decisions until your depression has lifted. If you have plans that will have a major impact on your life, such as dropping out of school or choosing a college, try to wait a bit. Talk it over with friends and family who can help you look at the overall picture.
• Reach out to people for help. Don't isolate yourself. Let your family and friends help you. Find people you can trust and confide in, and talk to them.
• Be patient, and be kind to yourself. Remember that depression isn't your fault and isn't something you can overcome with willpower alone. Treatment is necessary for depression, just like for any other illness. Feeling better takes time. Your mood will improve little by little.

Stay active

• Stay busy and get outside. Join a school club, or take part in school, church, or other social activities. Become a volunteer.
• Get plenty of exercise every day. Go for a walk or jog, ride your bike, or play sports with friends. Talk with your doctor about an exercise program. Exercise can help with mild depression.
• Ask a friend to do things with you. You could play a computer game, go shopping, or listen to music, for example.

Take care of yourself

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. If you have lost your appetite, eat small snacks rather than large meals.
• Do not drink alcohol or use drugs.
• Get enough sleep. If you have problems sleeping, try to keep your bedroom dark and quiet, go to bed at the same time every night, get up at the same time every morning, and avoid drinks with caffeine after 5 p.m.
• Avoid sleeping pills unless they are prescribed by the doctor treating your depression. Sleeping pills may make you groggy during the day. And they may interact with other medicine you are taking.
• If you have any other illnesses, such as diabetes, make sure to continue with your treatment. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take, including those with or without a prescription.

Follow your treatment plan

• If your doctor prescribed medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
  • If you don't notice any improvement in 3 weeks, talk to your doctor.
  • Antidepressants can make you feel tired, dizzy, or nervous. Some people have dry mouth, constipation, headaches, or diarrhea. Many of these side effects are mild and will go away on their own after you have been taking the medicine for a few weeks. Some may last longer. Talk to your doctor if side effects are bothering you too much. You might be able to try a different medicine.
• Do not take medicines that weren't prescribed for you. They may interfere with medicines you may be taking for depression, or they may make your depression worse.
• If you have a counselor, go to all your appointments.
• Work with your doctor to create a safety plan. A plan covers warning signs of self-harm. And it lists coping strategies and trusted family, friends, and professionals you can reach out to if you have thoughts about hurting yourself.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

• Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.