It’s easy to assume kids have nothing to be afraid of, worry, or be sad about. After all, childhood is known for being the most innocent, carefree stage of development, right? Well, the truth is, kids have plenty of stressors—their lives have been filled with a lot of change recently and despite our best efforts to shield them from the details of current events, the things happening in the world impact them.
Like adults, kids also battle anxiety and depression. However, the signs and symptoms aren’t always the same in kids as they are in adults. While sometimes subtle, the signs of anxiety and depression are easy to spot in your kid if you look closely.
Take a good look at your kid’s recent activities: Have they been in their room more than anywhere else? Are they sleeping all day, no longer engaging their friends, or not showing any interest in the things they once enjoyed? Unusual isolation could be an indication something bigger is happening.
Anxiety and depression in kids or teens don’t always look like worry or sadness. Sometimes, it shows up as anger or crankiness. Anger or irritability often comes with the territory of many teens, but does the anger seem excessive or unusual? Do they appear preoccupied, frustrated, sad, or detached? This could be a sign they have overwhelming thoughts they’re struggling to turn off.
A kid or teen struggling with anxiety or depression may have challenges with falling or staying asleep, while some kids and teenagers end up sleeping too much. Look for signs of exhaustion that doesn’t change no matter how much sleep they get.
A lack of motivation, or a long period of apathy, is a strong sign of anxiety and depression.
If you’ve noticed some of these concerning signs in your kid or teenager or you’d like to learn other signs of anxiety and depression in your kid, check out the article, “The Warning Signs of Depression and Anxiety in Kids” by professional counselor and Ph.D, Dr. Chinwé Williams.
Support your kid's mental health in the way they truly need
Want to dive deeper into helping your kids manage their mental health?
How to Have a Mental Health Check-In With Your Teen and Preteen
The National Alliance on Mental Illness says one in five teenagers from 13-18 will experience a “severe mental disorder,” as well as 13 percent of kids from 5-15 years old. If you are struggling with how to check-in on your kid’s mental health, here are some tips to get you started.
Knowing your kid struggles with intense fear can make you feel helpless. Giving your kid strategies to battle anxiety can reduce tensions and help your kid—and you—feel empowered.
Navigating difficult terrain is all part of the parenting journey, but in a crisis, it is mission-critical to help kids make sense of what’s happening and manage their anxiety. Here are five tips that might help.
