We all experience times in our lives when we feel sad or unhappy. That is part of experiencing ups and downs throughout life and a natural response in certain situations. But when these feelings grow so strong that they feel unmanageable and/or last for long periods of time, the person experiencing them might be struggling with depression.

This can become a serious condition that interferes with a person’s ability to live their day-to-day life and may require professional treatment and/or medication to stabilize and manage the symptoms.

Types of Depression

The most common types of depression that we diagnose and treat in the children and teens we serve include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Bipolar depression
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Atypical depression

Signs and Symptoms

It can be difficult for a child to understand and explain what they are feeling so it’s very important for caregivers to pay close attention to behaviors. Below is a list of behaviors that may indicate a child or teen is struggling with depression.

• Talking about feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Changes in eating habits (such as eating a lot more or a lot less)
• Changes in sleeping habits (such as sleeping more, insomnia or frequent bad dreams)
• Difficulties concentrating, forgetfulness
• Complaints of stomach or body aches that aren’t due to a physical problem
• Increased anxiousness, sadness, irritability, anger or aggression
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Avoiding activities enjoyed in the past
• Crying a lot more than usual
• Returning to outgrown behaviors (such as thumb-sucking or bedwetting)
• Poor school performance, avoiding schoolwork or skipping school or other activities

What You Can Do to Help

If you know a child who is struggling with depression, here are some ways you can support them:

• Seek professional help. It’s important to have a physician or licensed mental health professional examine the child for an accurate assessment and diagnosis of their physical and mental health.

• If the child expresses thoughts of suicide, call 911 immediately. Take these symptoms very seriously and get them professional help as soon as possible.

• Speak to their teachers and school counselors to ensure they know that the child may need additional support at school.

• Encourage the child to exercise or do physical activities they enjoy. Regular exercise can help with depression and promote better sleep.

• Be observant of their behaviors and help them keep track of when feelings of depression occur. Tracking this over time can help identify triggers, what treatment approaches are most effective or any additional concerns.

• Create a safe space where they feel they can openly share. Encourage frequent, honest conversations. Ask them how they’re feeling and allow them the time and space to open up as they’re ready. Just letting them know you are there for them to have a judgment-free conversation will build trust.

KVC Missouri Children’s Mental Health Can Help

KVC Missouri provides the most comprehensive continuum of child and family services across the state, including family strengthening services, foster care case management, foster parent training and licensing, community-based services and residential children’s mental health treatment, K-12 therapeutic education, therapeutic adventure and wilderness programs and more. With regional campuses in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia and St. James, our 800+ team members bring innovative quality care models, clinical expertise, exceptional outcomes and groundbreaking work in trauma-informed care. Our broad continuum of care means that children can access mental health services from the least intensive, community-based care to the most intensive, residential treatment programs, receiving an individualized care plan from highly skilled behavioral health professionals.

Here are some KVC Missouri resources to help you understand and cope with depression: 

• Take this quick mental health assessment to determine if your child might be struggling with depression
• Find out how adventure and wilderness programs can help a child overcome mental health challenges and experience personal growth
• Music therapy can help cope with depression
• Learn what to expect when admitting your child for mental health residential treatment
• Discover how we are leading change to address the children’s mental health crisis in Missouri

Here’s a list of additional resources you can contact for help:

• Call the child’s primary care physician or your local community mental health center
• Visit the Anxiety & Depression Association of America website at adaa.org
• Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 support from the Crisis Text Line
• Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 800-950-6264 or visit their website at nami.org
• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 988lifeline.org
• Learn more about depression from the Child Mind Institute