At Saible Neuropsychology, we acknowledge that childhood is a time of emotional growth and development. While occasional moments of sadness are a normal part of a child’s life, persistent and overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in once-enjoyed activities could indicate a deeper issue– depression. Our dedicated team of child therapists, pediatric neuropsychologists, and school psychologists are here to provide the guidance and support your child needs to navigate through these challenges and find a path toward healing. 

Recognizing Signs of Child Depression

Childhood depression can manifest in a variety of ways, and it is important for parents and caregivers to be vigilant for potential signs. Examples of behaviors often seen in children with depression include:

• Persistent sadness —  feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable a lot of the time
• Loss of interest –not wanting to participate or enjoy doing fun things
• Showing changes in eating patterns – eating a lot more or a lot less than usual
• Showing changes in sleep patterns – sleeping a lot more or a lot less than normal
• Fluctuations in energy levels – being tired and sluggish, or tense and restless a lot of the time
• Difficulty concentrating – having a hard time with memory and paying attention or focusing
• Negative self-perception — feeling worthless, useless, or guilty
• Showing self-injury and self-destructive behavior. 

Extreme depression can lead a child to think about suicide or plan for suicide. For youth ages 10-24 years, suicide is among the leading causes of death.

Recognizing Hidden Signs

At Saible Neuropsychology. we offer a compassionate and personalized approach to addressing child depression. Some children may not talk about their helpless and hopeless thoughts, and may not appear sad. Depression might also cause a child to make trouble or act unmotivated, causing others not to notice that the child is depressed or to incorrectly label the child as a trouble-maker or lazy. Our therapeutic interventions are designed to empower your child with coping strategies and emotional tools to manager and overcome their depressive symptoms.

Behavior therapy, a comprehensive treatment approach, includes child therapy, family therapy, or a combination of both. The school can also be included in the treatment plan. Engaging parents and caregivers is especially crucial for younger children to create a supportive and healing environment. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of therapy that is used to treat depression, particularly in older children. This approach focuses on challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with more positive and constructive ways of thinking, leading to healthier behaviors and improved emotional well-being. 

Take the First Step Towards Healing

If you suspect your child is experiencing depression, early intervention and support can make a significant difference in their journey toward healing. At Saible Neuropsychology, we are committed to providing a safer and nurturing space for your child to overcome depression and rediscover the joys of childhood.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us be a part of your child’s path to emotional well-being.