How can you tell if your child is suffering from depression or anxiety?
The pandemic has been hard on everyone. But children, in particular, are suffering at unprecedented rates.
According to JAMA (The Journal of Medical American Medical Association), depression and anxiety in adolescents soared during the pandemic. At the same time, physical activity and access to mental health therapists decreased, causing the American Academy of Pediatrics to declare a “national emergency.”
Maryland is no exception to the growing trend. In fact, the most recent Kids Count report notes that during the first year of the pandemic, anxiety and depression increased 36 percent in Maryland’s children and teens (3-17).
These alarming statistics have parents asking, ‘what are the warning signs of depression and anxiety?’
Five warning signs that your child is experiencing anxiety or depression.
- Lack of interest. Take notice if your child has a prolonged lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed. A persistent sense of hopelessness about the future is a warning sign.
- Abnormal fears that interfere with normal activities. For example, your child may experience social anxiety to such an extreme they have panic attacks (hyperventilation and increased heart rate). They avoid school and other group activities and constantly worry.
- Sleep disruption. Fatigue, headaches, or frequent stomachaches can be a sign that your child is not sleeping well or experiencing dangerous levels of stress. Likewise, an abnormal increase in sleep may be a warning sign that something is wrong.
- Isolation. Intervene if you notice that your child is no longer interacting with friends and stays isolated in their room for prolonged periods. Talk of suicide or self-harming activities, like cutting or eating disorders, may indicate a mental health crisis that needs immediate attention from a health professional.
- Significant and often abrupt mood changes. Emotional changes include abnormal excesses of anger, irritability, or sadness that disrupt relationships.
Every child is different. One might be naturally quieter or more melancholy than another. You know your child best, so when you notice that their behavior has changed significantly in a negative way, it is important to try and understand what is going on.
Once you have identified the warning signs of anxiety and depression, what can you do?
Without judgment, you can calmly ask your child about their changed behavior and how they are feeling. Let them know that you care and are there to help.
If you believe that the behavior is related to a mental health issue, especially if the changes you see are extreme and persistent, get an evaluation from your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible. Trauma or even something biological, like ADHD, can be the root cause.
For many children and adolescents, therapy is the key to mental wellness. Poor mental health impacts grades, social skills, and life outcomes. Early intervention is important, especially in youth.
Experiencing fear and sadness is natural in childhood, but when fear or sadness disrupts your child’s ability to grow and function, seek treatment with a child therapist.
Blu Haven has found a form of play therapy to be extremely beneficial to children ages 6-12. Play therapy creates a safe environment where a child can more easily express needs and resolve issues. Contact our team through a free discovery call to learn more.