Depression and Anxiety in Children and Teens
What does anxiety and depression look like in children and teens?
“Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” –Rita Pierson
Has your child begun acting differently? Do they act more irritable, withdrawn, tearful, or worried?
Depression and anxiety are the most common explanations for sudden changes in mood and behavior during childhood (Nilsen, Eisemann, & Kvernmo, 2012).
What are some of the warning signs of childhood depression? Symptoms of a depressive disorder may include:
Persistent sadness, feeling “down,” or solemn mood
Irritability or anger
Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
Changes in sleep behavior (sleeping more, sleeping less, increased tiredness)
Fatigue or low energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating
If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or dial 911 to receive immediate support
Thoughts of self-harm
Together, we can help your child feel better and live healthier. If you feel your child or teen is struggling, our team at Variations Psychology wants to help.
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common diagnoses for children and teens, and the symptoms can be devastating to social and academic functioning. Anxiety can be a natural response to life’s stressors, but left untreated it can cause heightened emotional distress.
Symptoms of anxiety may include:
Excessive nervousness or worry
Feelings of fear or worry are difficult to control
Avoidance of certain situations (school, play, etc.)
Becoming easily fatigued
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep difficulty
Irritability
These anxious reactions can cause kids to avoid meaningful life activities. They may try to stay home from school, avoid conversation, or choose to be alone rather than enjoying time with friends. This avoidance can make it hard for parents to know how to comfort their child (Children and Teens, 2017), making outside support critical for their kid to overcome anxiety
How Can Variations Psychology Help?
Many individuals search for a therapist, booking an appointment with the first 5-star-rated counselor they can find. The problem with diving right into therapy is that you run the risk of spending tons of time and money with a therapist whose expertise doesn’t fit your actual needs.
That’s where Variations comes in
Whether your family is struggling with learning differences or conditions that impact your mental health, our Doctors conduct psychological testing to remove the guess-work and provide you with a clear diagnosis. Beginning with a diagnosis allows our team to guide you on the most effective path toward overcoming challenges and achieving your life’s potential.
Click below to schedule your consultation below today to learn how we can help
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Anxiety. (2017). Mayo Clinic.
Depression. (2017). Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Mental Health by the Numbers. (2017). National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Möller, H., Bandelow, B., Volz, H., Barnikol, U. B., Seifritz, E., & Kasper, S. (2016). The relevance of ‘mixed anxiety and depression’ as a diagnostic category in clinical practice. European Archives of Psychiatry & Clinical Neuroscience, 266, 725-736.