Dr Jessica Tearne, Clinical Psychologist and Child & Adolescent Mental Health Researcher at The Kids, says that it's normal for children and teenagers to experience a range of emotions, including sadness.
It’s all part of the process of emotionally maturing and preparing for adulthood.
However, childhood depression is more than just feeling sad, and may warrant help from a mental health professional. If you have concerns for your child's immediate safety, don't hesitate to call a service such as Lifeline (131 114) or speak with your local hospital.
So how do I know if my child could be depressed?
Persistent changes (most of the day, every day) in thinking, feelings, and behaviour over two or more weeks. This might vary from child to child, but can manifest in things like:
- Feeling/looking sad, withdrawn, apathetic, or down
- Irritability and temper tantrums
- Saying negative things about themselves or the world
- Feeling worried or frightened, including having nightmares
- Lacking energy or losing interest in things they normally enjoy
- Having trouble concentrating
- Having trouble at school and/or with peers
- Having physical symptoms like a sore head or tummy that don't appear to have a medical cause
What can I do to help?
The best thing for a parent to do is to talk to their child about what is happening for them, and explain that you will go to the doctor together so you can make a plan to get some help.
Make an appointment with your GP who can refer to a specialist if need be (such as a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist).
External Resources
Kids Matter - How Depression Affects Children
NHS - Is Your Child Depressed?
Raising Children - Depression: Children 3-8 Years