Childhood & Teenage Depression: What To Watch For
Get the Support You Need at Wellsource Group in Kingwood or Cypress Today
Irritability, Sadness, & Boredom
Does your child or teen seem sad or withdrawn? Are they bored with activities they used to enjoy? If so, they may be suffering with depression. Contact a professional to find out what steps you can take.
Weight Loss or Gain
While physical changes are part of growing up, if your child or teen is experiencing rapid weight gain or loss, depression may be the underlying issue. Speak to a professional to find out the best course of action for your child today.
Excess Sleep or Trouble Concentrating
It’s easy to overlook these symptoms that can point to depression. If you’ve noticed that your child is sleeping more or struggling in school, get support from a counselor at Wellsource Group today.
What is Childhood & Teenage Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that can disrupt your child’s life in a serious way. While occasional moodiness and irritability is normal in children or teens, prolonged feelings of sadness, lack of energy, moodiness, or hopelessness can indicate depression. Many children who suffer with depression don’t get the help and treatment they need because it can be hard to tell the difference between depression and hormonal moodiness. If you suspect your child may be suffering with depression, talk to one of our experts at Wellsource Group in Kingwood or Cypress right away. It’s important to get your child or teen the treatment and help they need so they can start to feel better.
Symptoms of Childhood or Teenage Depression
As we mentioned previously, it can be difficult to determine on your own if your child or teen is struggling with depression. Many of the symptoms mirror typical behavior in a child or teen as they get older. In fact, if there has recently been a death in the family or if you have moved to a new city or state, your child is likely to experience some normal sadness and/or irritability while they adjust. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms last longer than 1-2 months, it may be time to contact a professional:
- Irritability, sadness, or constant boredom
- Lack of interest in certain activities
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Too much or too little sleep
- Excessive weight gain or loss
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What Causes Depression?
It can be hard to understand exactly what causes depression in children and teenagers. Experts know, however, that it is linked to certain activity levels in parts of the brain as well as an imbalance of brain chemicals that affect mood. These chemicals may become imbalanced because of stressful or traumatic experiences, certain medications, or even family history. Stressful events that may play a role in causing depression in your child or teen may include:
- Changing schools
- Going through a divorce
- Losing a close friend or family member
- Moving to a new city or state
If your child is going through any of these situations, scheduling an appointment with a licensed counselor can help them navigate their feelings and prevent falling into depression. Contact our team at Wellsource Group in Kingwood or Cypress to schedule an appointment today.
Are You Worried About Your Child or Teen?
At Wellsource Group, we can help you navigate depression and get them the help they need. Call today.
How to Treat Depression in Your Child or Teen
If you suspect your child or teen is struggling with depression, it’s important to start the healing process by educating yourself, your spouse, your child, and your family. By teaching everyone about depression, it can take the blame off of themselves, and it can even help other family members identify their own struggle with depression. Counseling is a great way to help children or teens that struggle with negative thought patterns that affect how they feel about themselves and/or others. In more serious cases, medication or even hospitalization may be the best option.
There are a number of ways that you can help your child start feeling better in the comfort of your own home. Encourage them to get regular exercise (join them for added support), spend time with friends, eat healthy foods, and get enough sleep. Set aside time to talk to your child or teen regularly, asking how they feel and expressing your love and support. Finally, continuously remind your child that everything will get better over time.
What You Should Know About Antidepressant Medication
In more serious cases of childhood or teenage depression, antidepressant medication may be prescribed for your child. Talk to your counselor at Wellsource Group about what to know about these medications and any signs or struggles to look out for. It may take a few tries to find an antidepressant medication that works for your child. If your child has started taking antidepressants, be sure to keep a close eye on the following:
- Talking, drawing, or writing about death
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Giving away their belongings
In most cases, it can take 1-3 weeks for your child to start feeling better once they start taking antidepressants. However, in some cases, it can take up to 8 weeks to see changes in their behavior. If you have questions about their medication or you aren’t seeing any improvement, talk to our team at Wellsource Group right away.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Childhood or teenage depression is a disorder that must be taken seriously. To get the help, support, and treatment your child needs, contact our team at Wellsource Group in Kingwood or Cypress or schedule a virtual visit today.