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Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Depression in Children & Teens

Sadness is a normal part of life, but when it doesn't go away and starts affecting daily life, it may be depression. This guide will help you distinguish between normal grief, mild depression, and a mental health crisis.

1

🚨 When to Get Help

Call 911 Now

  • Your child has attempted suicide today.
  • They express serious thoughts of suicide or hurting themselves.
  • They are acting confused or unsafe.
  • You believe there is a life-threatening emergency.

Call 988 or go to Doctor Now

  • They are very upset and cannot be calmed down.
  • The depression is severe.

Contact in 24hrs

  • Depression is preventing them from going to school.
  • You discover self-harm (cutting) but they deny suicidal thoughts.
  • Grief or mild depression has lasted more than 2 weeks.
  • You suspect drug or alcohol use.
2

🔎Recognizing the Signs

Children and teens often show depression differently than adults. It isn’t just “sadness”—it often looks like withdrawal or anger.

Key Symptoms:

  • Mood: Constant sadness, hopelessness, or feeling “empty.”
  • Behavior: Withdrawing from friends/family, spending time alone in their room, quitting sports or hobbies they used to love.
  • Physical: Sleeping too much or too little, loss of energy (always tired), changes in appetite.
  • School: Grades dropping, not completing homework, inability to focus.
  • Attitude: Easily irritated, angry, or guilty.
  • Appearance: Neglecting personal hygiene (showering, brushing hair).
3

Is it Grief or Depression?

If your child recently lost a loved one, a pet, or went through a major change (move, breakup), they are likely experiencing Grief.

  • Grief is normal. Sadness hits in waves but improves over time.
  • Depression is when the sadness takes over completely, lasts longer than 2 weeks, and stops them from functioning.
4

⚠️Critical Risks: Suicide & Self-Harm

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide, especially in teens. Take all threats seriously.

  • Suicide Signs: Talking about death, saying “there is no reason to live,” giving away possessions, or saying goodbye.
  • Self-Harm (Cutting): This is usually a way to cope with emotional pain, not a suicide attempt, but it requires professional help.

Resources for Immediate Help:

  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 (24/7, confidential).
  • NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 (For information & referrals, not a crisis line).
5

🏠How Parents Can Help at Home

If the depression is mild (they are still functioning but sad), try these steps while monitoring them closely.

1. Talk & Listen

  • Ask them how they feel. Let them know it is okay to cry.
  • Do not judge or fix. Just listen.
  • Note: Physical touch (hugs) is powerful and reassuring.

2. Activation (Do the Opposite)

  • Depression makes kids want to withdraw. Encourage them to do the opposite.
  • Get out of the room: Join family meals.
  • Stick to routine: Go to school, sports practice, and club meetings even if they don’t “feel like it.”

3. Physical Health

  • Sleep: Aim for 8+ hours. Tired minds struggle to regulate emotion.
  • Screen Time: Limit social media. It often increases feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
  • Exercise: A daily walk or workout releases brain chemicals that lift mood.

4. Counseling

  • Therapy is the most effective treatment. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor or psychologist.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.