When we notice that our child has been feeling down, irritable, or withdrawn for an extended period of time, we as parents quickly ask ourselves: “Is this just a phase, or is it something more serious?” Sadness is a natural part of growing up and a response to the losses, disappointments, and changes that children and adolescents experience. However, sometimes a prolonged change in mood can mask depression, which requires attention and support.
Is my child sad or depressed?
It is important to distinguish between the normal emotional and behavioral responses that children and adolescents experience in the event of a loss (such as the loss of a loved one or a pet). This reaction has a specific cause, and those grieving clearly express their emotions; however, sadness and grief subside over time, and the individual gradually returns to their normal functioning prior to the loss. In contrast, depression lasts for a longer period of time, can also affect a person’s self-image, undermine their sense of self-worth, and bring with it feelings of guilt.
Why are girls more prone to depression?
During childhood, depression is said to occur just as frequently in girls as in boys, but during adolescence, girls are diagnosed with depression about twice as often as boys. Why is this the case? The reasons lie in physical, social, and emotional factors—girls mature biologically faster, which means earlier hormonal and physical changes that affect both mood and emotional regulation. More visible secondary sexual characteristics can also lead to greater anxiety about accepting their new appearance, while society demands a different social role from girls, causing them to often experience more interpersonal stressors, such as pressure regarding body image and social relationships. Girls often experience more intense fear in response to environmental demands, are generally more sensitive to the opinions of others, more prone to self-evaluation, and also more burdened by negative experiences. Furthermore, some studies suggest that symptoms in girls may manifest in a way that is more noticeable and easier for healthcare providers to recognize, which also contributes to higher rates of diagnosis in girls compared to boys.
Untreated Depression in Adolescents
If depression in children and adolescents goes untreated, it can increase the risk of substance abuse; academic decline is often observed, as is reduced social engagement, which is a risk factor for other problems. If untreated depression becomes chronic, it can lead to severe eating disorders (and thus a life-threatening medical condition), as well as an increased risk of suicidal behavior. The primary danger is that depression prevents a child or adolescent from functioning normally in various areas and thus hinders their development, which affects later stages of life.
This means that depression during childhood or adolescence, if not properly treated, can leave a lasting mark on the child or adolescent later, when they enter early adulthood, such that entrenched thought and behavioral patterns from adolescence—such as risky behavior, poor study habits, and suicidal behavior, can also lead to difficulties in becoming independent and functioning autonomously in society, such as when looking for a job or in relationships.
“Is there a ‘test’ for depression that parents can do at home?”
While there are various questionnaires available online, they are not intended to provide a diagnosis and cannot replace the professional assessment of a child and adolescent mental health specialist. It’s important to realize that inappropriate tools parents might find online can also scare or mislead you. In children and adolescents, the signs of depression are different from those in adults, so recognizing depression in them can be difficult. What parents can do is monitor their child or adolescent, and if they notice multiple signs that last at least two weeks or are getting worse, discuss this with teachers, the school counseling service, a pediatrician, or a child and adolescent mental health professional (e.g., a psychologist) .
A professional assessment is based on a clinical interview with the parents and the child or adolescent, an evaluation of the duration, observation, ruling out other possible conditions or disorders for the observed symptoms, and on standardized diagnostic questionnaires, which can only be properly interpreted by a qualified professional.
Is depression treatable?
Depression in children and adolescents is treatable if the appropriate resources for treatment are available at the right time. For milder forms of depression, various psychotherapeutic approaches can be effective (primarily cognitive-behavioral therapy and other developmentally appropriate forms of therapy, which often involve working with the family). Emotional security provided by parents and a stable family environment are also of great importance for a child’s or adolescent’s recovery; therefore, the mental health of the parents themselves, as well as the techniques they use to work with children or adolescents in distress, are also crucial for the child’s or adolescent’s health and well-being.
It is important how parents approach a child or adolescent with depression and how skilled they are in communicating with them. This can often be a challenge for parents, and inappropriate criticism, denial of problems, or emotional distance on the part of parents can also worsen the course of the disorder in children or adolescents. In cases of moderate or severe depression and associated symptoms of other mental disorders, depression is also treated with medication (so-called pharmacological therapy) under the supervision of a child psychiatrist or adolescent psychiatrist.
As parents, you play a crucial role: you are the ones who know your child best, notice changes, and can be the first to start a conversation. If you’re concerned, trust your instincts and seek professional advice. Taking early action doesn’t mean you’re “panicking,” but rather that you’re giving your child the best chance for healthy development, well-being, and a safe path to adulthood.