What are anxiety and depression?
Anxiety and depression often coexist, but they’re two different mental health disorders.
Anxiety describes fearful, worrying thoughts that interfere with normal activity, like play, school, and family time. Depression is not just temporary sadness. When your child seems to feel hopeless and is no longer interested in the activities they once were, it’s possible they may be suffering from depression.
How do I know my child is suffering from anxiety?
Signs that your child could be suffering from anxiety include:
- Fear of separation from their parents
- Extreme phobias
- Fear of public spaces like school or stores
- Worry about the future and bad things happening
- Panic attacks (sudden, unexpected fear accompanied by a racing heartbeat and shakiness)
Some of these symptoms are pretty normal in very young children, especially separation anxiety or fear of public spaces. If they persist into grade school or the teenage years, it’s something to be concerned about. Children and teens with anxiety may also have trouble sleeping or show physical symptoms like constant stomach aches, headaches, and fatigue.
When should I suspect that my child is depressed?
All people, including kids, experience feelings of disappointment or sadness once in a while. But if the following feelings persist, it’s a good idea to seek a medical evaluation:
- Intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and/or irritability
- No desire to do fun things
- Eating more or less than usual
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Changes in energy (more sluggish or agitated than usual)
If your child shows signs that they’re injuring themselves or engaging in self-destructive behavior, seek help right away. Suicidal ideation can be a serious concern in children with depression.
How are anxiety and depression treated?
At Great Destinations Pediatrics, the team uses an integrative medicine approach to help children and teens struggling with anxiety and depression. The providers at Great Destinations Pediatrics look at the whole patient, not just their symptoms, and consider how to boost their mind, body, spirit, family dynamics, social life, and environment to improve their mental well-being.
The doctors could also recommend nutritional changes and supplements. Traditional medication can also be prescribed, depending on each patient’s individual needs.
If you feel your child or teen is at risk of harming themselves or others please call 911 or take them to the nearest children’s emergency room such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital or Banner Thunderbird Medical Center Pediatric ER.
Schedule an appointment at Great Destinations Pediatrics today to evaluate your child’s mental health. Call the office or use the online tool.
Integrative Approaches to Anxiety & Depression for Teens
Integrative Approaches to Caring for your Anxious or Depressed Child or Teen
Suicide Hotline Handout
Anxiety & Depression Resources
