Let’s Talk About Depression in Young Children

Depression in young children happens, just like it does in teenagers and adults. It’s just not commonly known about, nor considered ‘normal.’ While there isn’t a lot of research regarding rates of depression in young children in NZ, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t a real problem.

As parents ourselves, we felt so strongly about this subject that we’ve up skilled ourselves to understand more about the ways to identify and help a young child showing signs of depression.

Please note that we’re not medical professionals and all information we share with you today comes from our research and beliefs alone, not medical advice. For official information, we suggest visiting the Ministry of Health’s and John Kirwan’s depression websites.

While open and frank discussions regarding youth suicide in New Zealand are often seen in the media, there is very little about the mental health of young children. Whether this is from a lack of understanding or beliefs that ‘little kids don’t get depression because they’ve got nothing to worry about’ we don’t know. However, we feel it’s time to start talking about it with you today.

What Does Depression in Young Children Look Like?

KidsHealth states that approximately five in 100 children will experience depression. That is too great a number to brush off and ignore. There’s no exact cause of depression physically, but it can run in families. Events, illnesses, drug and alcohol usage can also increase the risk of it occurring.

Depression is not a passing mood; it won’t go away by itself and is different from the everyday emotions or blues a child may have. It interferes with their enjoyment of activities and life and requires assistance from medical professionals.

The signs and symptoms of depression are often different from what adults display (predominately sadness). They include:

Anger & verbal sarcasm
Extreme shyness
Unexplained psychical complaints
Irritability, with outbursts, inappropriate reactions or a negative mood
Unable to feel pleasure from age-appropriate play
Low levels of interest in activities and hobbies
Low self-confidence
Overreacting to feedback or criticism
Difficulty sleeping
Appetite changes
Sadness
Poor concentration & struggles to make decisions
Low energy & feeling tired
Feelings of suicide

As parents, it’s our responsibility to keep an eye on not only the physical health of our children but their mental health too. It’s vital that you act immediately when you notice a change in your child’s mental health. This can include talking with them about how they are feeling and making an appointment to see your GP. Your doctor will be able to perform an assessment and make referrals or recommendations for treatment for your child. At home, keeping communication open, encouraging daily exercise, healthy eating and sleeping habits can also help.

You can also get help and support from these agencies: