Children Depression

Signs your child could be depressed 

It’s normal for kids to feel ‘fed up’ from time to time. But if your child’s mood is persistently low, they may be struggling with depression. Here are some signs to look out for: 

• Low mood that lasts for most of the day over an extended period. 
• Lack of motivation to do things they once found fun.
• Reduced or increased appetite.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Struggling to concentrate on schoolwork.
• Becoming easily irritated and crying more than usual. 
• Being overly self-critical.

If you think your child is depressed, you may want to make an appointment with their GP. 

Encouraging your child to open up  

It’s really important that you try to get your child to express their feelings. But you’ll need to tread carefully. Here are a few pointers that you might find helpful: 

• Begin by gently asking what’s troubling them and how they feel.  
• Be sure to listen carefully to what they say. 
• Try not to dismiss what they tell you if it doesn’t seem like a big deal. 
• If they’re reluctant to talk, don’t force the issue, but try again later. 

Top tip for talking to younger children:

Little ones tend to find face-to-face chats about serious things a bit overwhelming.
Try talking to them while you’re both doing a quiet activity like drawing or crafting. 

Top tip for talking to teenagers: Teens are not that great at eye-to-eye, so chatting to your teen in the car or during a walk.
Avoid giving them advice unless they ask for it. Simply sit in the moment and listen. 

What causes depression in children? 

If a family member has or has had depression the risk of your child developing it could be higher. There are also certain key life events and issues that can increase the chances of a child becoming depressed, such as: 

• Witnessing domestic abuse
• Experiencing a change in family dynamics, like parental separation
• Struggling with bereavement
• Spending time viewing social media content that might be having a negative impact 
• Having anxiety or low self-esteem

“It’s been good to talk to you. I like talking to you. I didn’t think I would. I can be open because I feel safe, and I don’t feel that I’m being judged.”

– Young Person