Can Children Be Depressed?

Posted on by WellPower

If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. For 24/7/365 help with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to connect with the national Mental Health Line. 

Yes, children as young as age 3 can experience depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. And there are resources available to help – both for kids and their parents. 

At WellPower, we have decades of experience working with children and families with a wide range of needs and strengths. If your child is struggling with difficult feelings, you are not alone. This article offers some information about what to watch for and how to get support for children who are experiencing depression. 

Kids Experience Emotional Ups and Downs, Too 

First, it’s important to keep in mind that children experience the typical ups and downs of life that all people go through. This is especially true when there are changes in their lives, like starting school, moving to a new home or adjusting their routine. 

“Kids might have a bad day the same way as adults might have a bad day,” said Bonnie Graham, LCSW, program manager at WellPower. “If adults don’t get a good night’s sleep or if we’re not eating well, we’re not going to have the best day and it’s the same for kids. Our kids don’t need to be happy, or even neutral, all the time. It’s okay to have those bad days sometimes or have days where they’re not as active or things are just a little bit off. It’s a normal human experience.” 

It can be especially challenging to recognize the signs of depression and anxiety as your child navigates different developmental phases, when things like eating and sleeping habits, relationships with peers and adults, and favorite activities can naturally change. So, how do you know if your child is experiencing typical moods or if something more serious is going on? Here are some signs to look for and how to support your child. 

Signs of Depression in Children 

Beyond the normal ups and downs of childhood, something more serious might be going on if you notice any of these signs: 

  • Persistent and consistent irritability or low mood (e.g. sad, worried or withdrawn) 
  • Loss of interest in activities they’ve previously enjoyed 
  • Dramatic increase in isolation (e.g. spending more time in their room or socializing less) 
  • Drastic change in behaviors—especially if it is happening in multiple areas of life, such as refusing to go to school 
  • Change in sleep (e.g. sleeping too much or too little) 
  • Change in appetite (e.g. eating too much or too little)  
  • Low energy levels or lack of motivation 

If you notice any of these signs, there are things you can do to support your child. 

How to Help Your Child with Signs of Depression 

  • Talk to your child about what you notice. Using a “Notice and Name” approach can help your child feel seen and understood. For example, you might say, “I’m noticing you’re having a hard day, and I wonder if you might be feeling sad.” Follow this by giving your child some one-on-one attention and letting them know you’re available if they want to talk about what they’re feeling.  
  • Listen openly before offering suggestions. You can also connect through a simple shared activity—such as playing a game, going for a walk or doing something creative together—to help them feel supported and cared for. 
  • Reach out to other supportive adults. Think about mentors, coaches, teachers, relatives or other trusted adults your child feels connected to. These relationships can be a valuable source of encouragement and guidance. 
  • Play with your child. Play is a child’s language for expressing feelings and processing experiences. Pay attention to any themes or patterns that might reveal what they’re going through. 
  • Read together. Choose books that are developmentally appropriate and explore mood, feelings or mental health topics. Storytelling can open doors to important conversations. 

There are times when even the best parents need support. If you feel like your child’s symptoms are not improving, or if you want to add more tools to your toolbox, it might be a good idea to enlist the help of a professional. 

How to Connect with a Children’s Mental Health Professional  

“A well-trained therapist is a great way of seeking support if you have concerns with your child,” Graham said. “Child therapists are trained in assessing what is happening with your child and they identify if there is a need for ongoing support. It’s okay to trust a mental health professional to assess your child.”

As a starting point for a professional assessment, your pediatrician may be a good resource to connect to mental health supports. Try talking to them about what you’re observing, and ask if they can refer you to a child behavioral health specialist. Another option may be connecting with your child’s school psychologist or social worker. It might be the case that they have also noticed changes in your child’s behavior at school, and can offer some additional perspective. 

Mental Health Resources for Children and Their Parents 

  • 988 Mental Health Line: For 24/7/365 support for you or a loved one, call, text or chat 988. Click here for more information about 988. In Colorado, you can also visit a walk-in center for immediate, in-person help in a crisis. Denver’s walk-in center (operated by WellPower) is at 4353 E. Colfax Ave. Find the location closest to you here. 
  • Child Mental Health Services at WellPower: We have teams that specialize in children’s and family mental health. To access mental health and behavioral health services at WellPower, call (303) 504-7900. Our staff will ask you questions over the phone to learn more about you and your child. You can also send a message here. We gladly accept Medicaid insurance, as well as a wide range of Medicare and commercial insurance plans. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, we’re more than happy to work with you before making an appointment. 
  • Individual Therapy 
  • Family Therapy 
  • Psychiatry (Including Psychiatric Evaluation) 
  • Medication Administration & Management 
  • Case Management 
  • Parent & Caregiver Support 

To learn more, please visit the link above or call our main line at (303) 504-7900 and ask about the STAY SAFE Partnership program. 

Seeking Help is a Sign of Strength 

Remember, seeking a professional perspective is not admitting failure as a parent – it’s a sign that you care deeply about the well-being of your child and want to use all the resources at your disposal to support them. As you try any of these approaches and want to add more tools to your toolbox, support is available. Give us a call – we’ll be glad to talk with you: (303) 504-7900.