Depression in Children

One of the characters on the Netflix show "Ginny & Georgia" said this in response to being asked what depression feels like:

“It feels like my arms been cut off and there’s blood spurting everywhere. It feels urgent, like there should be doctors running around suturing everything. You can’t see it. It’s invisible. You can’t see the severed arm.”

The main childhood depressive disorders and their common symptoms are:

-Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Depressed/irritable mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• Changes in appetite/weight

• Sleep disturbances

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Recurrent thoughts of death/suicide

-Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD/Dysthymia)

• Irritable or low mood most days for at least 12 months

• Withdrawn

• Low energy

• Poor self-esteem

• Difficulty concentrating

-Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

• Severe verbal/behavioral outbursts

• Outbursts occur 3 or more times per week

• Mood between outbursts is persistently irritable or angry

• Low frustration tolerance/easily angered

-Other (Unspecified); Due to Medical Condition; Substance Use

Parents,

Children are suffering out loud and in silence. Let’s make it a collective community effort to be present for our Littles. Talk to them. Be with them. Your presence matters.

*If you believe your child is suffering from these symptoms or struggling in some way, please reach out to me. I am Here to help.