Feeling sad is a normal reaction to experiences that are stressful or upsetting. However, when these feelings carry on for too long, take over your usual self and interfere with your daily life, it can become an illness. We call this ‘depression’.
It is said that depression occurs in about 1-3% of children and young people. It is more common in older adolescents, particularly teenage girls, but can affect children of any age.
What symptoms do I need to look for?
Your child may need professional help if she/he displays the following signs for an extended period of time.
- Being moody and irritable – easily upset, ‘ratty’ or tearful
- Becoming withdrawn – avoiding friends, family, and regular activities
- Feeling guilty or bad, being self-critical and self-blaming
- Feeling unhappy, miserable and being lonely most of the time
- Feeling hopeless and wanting to die
- Finding it difficult to concentrate
- Not looking after your personal appearance
- Changes in sleep patterns – sleeping too little or too much
- Frequently feeling tired
- Not interested in eating or eating little or too much
- Suffering aches and pains, such as headaches or stomach-aches
What help and treatments are available?
At Child Mental Health Clinic, we have specialised treatments and therapies to help your child overcome depression and lead a happy life.
Talking therapy including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is often the first line treatment.
Medication in the form of antidepressants may be prescribed by our qualified Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists in the case of severe depression after a careful assessment.
Get in touch
Our specialist team of child psychiatrists and psychologists can offer comprehensive assessments and provide clear recommendations to help support you and your child.