While it’s normal for children to be in bad moods or feel down from time to time, if those negative feelings won’t go away and limit a child’s ability to function normally, it could be depression.
How Do I Know When My Child Is Depressed?
It can be hard to know when a child is depressed because children can be irritable or angry from time to time. Children can have low energy or show a lack of interest when they are tired or sick. However, these can be signs of depression. Depression can be hard to see because the signs can show up in different ways. If your child’s irritability or bad mood linger for weeks at a time, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor or schedule time with a therapist.
How Can Therapy Help My Depressed Child?
Depression can get better. But without help, it can last or get worse. A child therapist can evaluate your child and recommend treatment. The relationship your child builds with his or her counselor can promote positive change by providing invaluable opportunities to learn and grow. By engaging in child therapy and play therapy with a trusted and compassionate TherapyWorks therapist, your child will have the opportunity to explore, express, and better understand his or her feelings in a safe and comfortable environment, while also learning new skills to better manage responses to life’s ups and downs.