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Pediatric Depression

Depression is a serious condition at any age. When it’s your child who is struggling, it can feel overwhelming and confusing. Reaching out for medical help may seem scary, but getting support from experts can bring both answers and hope.

At UVA Health Children’s our mental health specialists understand how to care for kids. Children’s mental health needs are often different from adults’, so it’s important that they get the right kind of support.

Treating Depression at UVA Health Children’s

We offer a variety of treatment options because we know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We work closely with your family to find the best plan for your child.

Therapy

For many children, talking through their feelings with a licensed mental health provider is a beneficial part of healing. Therapy gives them tools to manage emotions and build confidence. Depending on your child’s age, therapy might include:

  • Learning to name and understand feelings
  • Looking at their thoughts and challenging negative or unhelpful ones
  • Finding activities that create positive feelings
  • Identifying stress and ways to handle it
  • Focusing on the positives in their life

Some types of therapy help kids understand their thoughts and actions, while others focus more on how they relate to others.

Medication

If your child’s depression is severe or isn’t improving with therapy, medication might be recommended. There are safe and effective medications for children and teens with depression. These can often make therapy more helpful, too.

Every child is different, so it may take time to find the right medication. That’s why follow-up visits are important—to talk about side effects, mood changes, and how your child is feeling overall.

How Parents Help with Medication

It can be tough for kids to keep track of emotional changes from day to day. Many parents keep track of their child’s mood and behavior while trying new medications. This kind of day-by-day log helps doctors make better decisions and adjust the treatment plan if needed.

Suicidal Ideation

Sometimes, depression can lead to scary or harmful thoughts. If you’re worried your child might hurt themselves, it’s important to take it seriously. We can help your family create a safety plan, which may include a short stay in the hospital.

Hospitalization can keep kids safe while giving treatment time to work.

Is My Child Depressed?

It’s not always easy to tell if a child is depressed, especially if they can’t explain what they are feeling. Here are some signs to watch for:

Young children may:

  • Seem unusually fearful or anxious
  • Get frustrated or angry often
  • Avoid playing with other kids
  • Have more tantrums or aggressive outbursts
  • Struggle with sleep
  • Eat much more or less than usual
  • Complain of aches or pains without a clear cause

Elementary or Middle Schoolers may: 

  • Talk negatively about themselves
  • Seem to have low self-esteem
  • Avoid challenges or give up easily
  • Have low energy
  • Try to avoid school
  • Become quieter or talk less than usual

In High Schoolers: 

  • Use alcohol or drugs
  • Withdraw from friends and family
  • Stop caring about hygiene or appearance
  • Take more risks or act recklessly
  • Seem restless or unable to sit still
  • Move or talk unusually slow

Depression FAQs

At what age can depression start?

Depression can appear as early as age 3, though it’s more common after puberty—around age 12.

How common is depression in kids?

By high school, about 1 in 5 kids will experience a serious episode of depression. Sadly, many go without treatment. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people.

Do antidepressants cause suicide in children?

You may have heard that antidepressants increase the risk of suicide. This concern is understandable. But doctors only prescribe these medications when they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Careful monitoring during the first weeks of treatment helps keep your child safe.

What if my child doesn’t want to see a doctor?

Your child may not fully understand what they’re feeling. They may also be scared of being labeled. Try talking to them calmly and openly about why getting help is important. Focus on how they’re feeling, not on diagnoses or labels.