A Parent's Guide to Anxiety and Depression in Children

About 4.4 milion U.S. children between the ages of three and 17 have diagnosed anxiety and 1.9 million children have diagnosed depression, according to the CDC, and both conditions have increased over time.

While most children feel sad or anxious from time to time, anxiety and depression are serious mental health concerns that usually require treatment.

Anxiety Symptoms

Children who have anxiety often show the condition with symptoms of excessive worry and fear. Your child may be afraid to be away from you or worry that a loved one might get hurt or die.

Your child might express anxiety and worry about the future more consistently, or they may withdraw and not talk about their fears much.

Your child might also find it difficult or impossible to engage in their regular social activities and school. Refusing to go to school or play with friends is often a sign your child feels anxious or has panic attacks.

Some children who have anxiety have physical symptoms, such as dizziness, sweating, headaches, stomachaches, or nausea.

Depression Symptoms

One common sign your child might be depressed is a persistent sad or grouchy mood. A child's poor mood often happens for weeks or months, and they may experience more meltdowns or tantrums than normal.

Children who have depression don't always appear sad, however, so keep an eye out for other signs of depression. Many kids who are diagnosed with depression are overly self-critical, so you may hear talk like I can't do anything right or No one likes me.

Kids with depression tend to have less energy, so you might notice your child isn't as active as before, either at home or school or both. They also may seem to lose enjoyment in things they once enjoyed, like spending time with friends or playing.

Some children who are depressed go through sleep changes - either sleeping much more than usual or having trouble sleeping. You may notice changes in your child's eating habits too. They may start overeating, or they may not feel like eating at al.



Treatment for Anxiety and Depression

If you suspect your child has anxiety or depression, have a professional evaluate them for proper treatment.