What is depression?

Depression goes beyond feeling temporarily sad or anxious. It's a mood disorder that affects how someone feels, thinks, and behaves. As a result, people with depression can have trouble with everyday activities, even ones they used to enjoy.

People who feel depressed need and deserve care—they should not be expected to pull themselves out of their depression.

It's important to acknowledge depression and take steps to support your child through it. This may include finding specialized care, such as therapy, medication, or both.

What does depression look like in my child?

A child who is depressed might feel:

• Overwhelmed
• Tired
• Hopeless
• Highly irritable

They might also blame themselves for their circumstances and the way they feel. Understanding and identifying depression in yourself can be difficult, especially for children.

Watch for changes in your child's:

• Behavior
• Appetite
• Energy level
• Sleep patterns
• Academic performance

These changes can help you understand whether your child might be depressed.

How can I start a conversation with my child about depression?

Express concern that your child seems very sad. If necessary, help your child understand that not feeling good physically (feeling tired, lethargic, or having trouble concentrating) may be a way their body is telling them they don't feel good emotionally.

In children, depression can also take the form of being highly irritable most of the time with most people.

What can I do to help my child with depression?

Ask if there's anything that would make them feel better. See if there's anything your child might be open to trying to help them feel better. 

Check in with a trusted pediatrician, mental health professional, or teacher if you're feeling at all worried. Experts in child development can help you distinguish between expected developmental challenges, and feelings or behaviors that are more concerning. Learn more about what resources may be available here. 

If you or your child are in need of immediate support or are in a crisis, help is available. 

You are not alone, and help is always available. Get immediate support 24/7. Reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

You can also call 877-990-8585 to talk to someone in Cantonese, Mandarin, Fujianese, Japanese or Korean. It’s free, and everything you tell them is confidential, unless it’s essential to contact emergency services to keep you or your child safe.