October 1st, 2024
Wanting the best for your child is often easier said than done in a world where social media, cyber bullying, and shows like Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why” exist. With themes of violence, depression, and suicide so prevalent in the media, it is easy for children and teens to be affected negatively by what they’re exposed to on a daily basis.
“13 Reasons Why” was a hit among children and teens despite its graphic depiction of a teenager’s struggle with depression and her final decision to commit suicide. According to CNN Health news, “mental health experts describe [13 Reasons Why] as worrisome and point to how its relatable characters and graphic depiction of suicide can pose a health risk for young people already struggling with mental health issues.”
Social media, television, and pop culture play key roles in many children and adolescents’ lives, and can often be more detrimental than it is useful. If a child is struggling with anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms that have not yet been identified or treated, parents may find themselves asking, “how did I not see it coming?” when something goes wrong. Keep reading to learn how you can help children overcome depression and anxiety.
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects both children and adults. It goes beyond just feeling sad or having a bad day; depression involves persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. In children, depression can also manifest as irritability, changes in sleep patterns, appetite issues, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from friends or family.
Depression in children can sometimes be hard to recognize, as kids might not always express their feelings openly. That's why it's important for parents and caregivers to be aware of potential signs and seek help if they notice lasting changes in their child’s mood or behavior.
A healthcare provider may recommend a depression test to better assess the child’s symptoms and determine the most effective course of treatment.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can develop into an anxiety disorder. Anxiety in children often involves excessive worry and fear that interfere with their daily life. Common anxiety and worry symptoms in children include restlessness, trouble sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches, and avoiding certain situations that cause distress.
Anxiety disorders can take various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and separation anxiety, each presenting with unique challenges. Recognizing the signs of anxiety early can help children receive the support they need. Working with a mental health professional can guide you through effective strategies and treatments to help your child manage their anxiety and regain a sense of calm.
A study featured in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that researchers from the Health Resources and Services Administration have observed a rise in anxiety and depression among children aged 3 to 17 over the past five years. Utilizing data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, the researchers analyzed trends in child health, healthcare access, and family situations from 2016 to 2020.
In 2020, just 80 percent of children requiring counseling or other mental health support received the necessary care within the previous year. Even prior to the pandemic, anxiety and depression were rising among youth, with rates escalating by 27 percent and 24 percent, respectively, from 2016 to 2019.
By 2020, approximately 5.6 million children had been diagnosed with anxiety disorders, while 2.4 million were identified with depression.
While, as parents, you cannot monitor your child’s every move, interaction, and thoughts 100% of the time, you can work to influence your child in positive ways and look out for warning signs that might actually be cries for help.
While there can be many additional signs and symptoms of childhood and adolescent anxiety and depression, there are also many things you can do to be sure you are effectively addressing concerns about your child’s health and safety:
Create a safe and calm environment by allowing your child to share his or her feelings without feeling like he/she is in trouble or being punished. Although you may feel that your child is overreacting to a “teen crisis” or a problem that is much smaller than they make it, it is important to not undermine their feelings. In order to have an open and helpful conversation, do your best to empathize with your child and work toward solutions.
If your child is not sharing with you, or you feel that he/she is not being fully truthful, share your concerns with your child’s school. Principals, social workers, and classroom teachers see your child on a daily basis and can help determine if the child needs additional support or if something is going on at school.
If your child is showing signs of anxiety or depression, it may be time to consider seeing a therapist. Therapists specialize in helping children understand and manage their feelings, teaching them healthy coping skills, and addressing the underlying causes of their distress.
A therapist can provide strategies to manage anxiety symptoms, reduce avoidance behaviors, and improve their overall emotional resilience. This can involve things like implementing play therapy interventions for children who worry/have anxiety.
When it comes to depression in children, therapists use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help children identify negative thought patterns and develop more positive ways of thinking.
Seeking therapy early on can prevent symptoms from worsening and provide your child with a safe space to express their feelings. Therapy for kids can be an essential step in supporting your child’s mental health and helping them work through challenging emotions.
If your child's anxiety or depression symptoms are severe or not improving with therapy alone, it may be time to consult a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and can provide a more comprehensive assessment of your child’s condition.
They are trained to identify complex mental health issues and can prescribe medication if needed, especially when anxiety and depression symptoms are significantly impacting your child’s daily life, such as extreme anxiety, persistent sadness, sleep disturbances, or difficulty functioning at school.
A psychiatrist will work closely with you, your child, and their therapist to create an integrated treatment plan tailored to your child's specific needs. While medication is not always necessary, it can be an important part of managing symptoms, particularly when therapy alone is not enough. Taking your child to a psychiatrist ensures that all potential treatment options are explored, giving them the best chance for recovery.
Learn about anxiety and depression in children so you can better understand what your child is experiencing. Familiarize yourself with common symptoms, such as changes in mood, sleep patterns, appetite, and behavior.
A consistent daily routine can provide a sense of security and stability for children dealing with anxiety and depression. Ensure your child has a structured schedule that includes regular sleep, balanced meals, physical activity, study time, and relaxation. Consistency can help reduce feelings of uncertainty and worry.
Regular physical activity is a natural way to boost mood and reduce anxiety. Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy, whether it’s playing outside, riding a bike, participating in sports, or practicing yoga. Exercise can help release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
Too much screen time, especially on social media, can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Set healthy boundaries for your child's use of electronics, and encourage them to engage in offline activities, such as reading, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends.
Introduce relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation to help your child calm their mind. These practices can be especially helpful for managing anxiety and grounding your child in moments of distress.
Above all, reassure your child that they are loved and supported, regardless of what they are feeling. Let them know that it's okay to struggle and that you will work through this together. Your unconditional support can make all the difference in your child’s journey to overcoming anxiety and depression.
Clarity Clinic is your premier destination for depression and anxiety treatment in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. If you are located in Chicago, head to our Loop, River North, Lakeview Broadway, or Lakeview Belmont clinic. If you are located in a suburb such as Oakbrook, Northbrook, Schaumburg, Evanston, Winnetka, and Naperville, IL, head to our Evanston or Arlington Heights clinic.
Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists offers a wide range of effective treatments to help your child overcome anxiety and depression.
Whether you're seeking individual therapy, family therapy, therapy for kids, or medication management, we have the expertise to provide the care you need. Our therapists are skilled in using evidence-based techniques to help your child develop coping strategies, improve their mood, and enhance their overall well-being.
Apart from providing the best psychiatrists in Chicago and leading therapists near you for depression, we also offer online therapy options for those who prefer to receive treatment from the comfort of their own home.
Don't let depression or anxiety hold your child back, get convenient therapy near you at Clarity. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with leading depression and anxiety therapists in Chicago and take the first step towards a healthier, happier life.
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