As parents and caregivers have gotten better at identifying the signs of childhood depression, families have started seeking child counseling services to help young minds process their complex emotions. Presently, pediatric depression is estimated to affect about 3% of all children between the ages of three and seventeen. It is thought that the prevalence of childhood depression may be even higher, as it can sometimes be difficult to identify depression amongst children and young adults. As with all populations, understanding the symptoms of depression and seeking out proper counseling services is more vital than ever. In order to better understand adolescent depression, it is important to first take a look at some of the common myths surrounding depression in children.
Myth #1: Sadness in Adults and Children Always Looks Similar
Since children do not have the same cognitive or verbal skills as adults, the ways in children express complex feelings of sadness or depression can sometimes present differently than it does in adults. A child experiencing depression may talk about physical symptoms rather than emotional symptoms. They may talk about pains and aches or may have a sluggish activity level, general fatigue, or malaise. Sometimes kids suffering from childhood depression may appear irritable as they try to navigate feelings of sadness and despair.
Myth #2: Parents Can Always Identify Depression in Their Own Child
In the same way that some adults have learned to mask their depression when interacting with others, some children may adapt to hide their depression from their parents and peers. Since a lot of the feelings they are experiencing may be new to them, their discomfort with these unexplored emotions may cause them to hide their symptoms of depression.
Myth #3: Children Grow Out of Childhood Sadness
If left untreated, some cases of childhood depression will continue into adulthood. Child counseling can help parents and children identify the causes of their depression and learn new skills in order to begin their path towards self-identity and self-love.
Myth #4: Discussing Sadness Will Make it Worse
Some parents may think that talking about depression will make their child's sadness worse. In reality, validating their feelings of sadness allows your child to learn healthy ways to communicate new, and sometimes complicated emotions. Talking about feelings helps build your child's emotional intelligence and sets up both healthier communication patterns and positive coping mechanisms for the future.
Contact B'Well Counseling Services for Child Counseling
If you suspect that your child is suffering from childhood depression, B'Well Counseling offers child counseling directed at helping young children dealing with depression. Contact us today to set up your first visit.
About B’well Counseling Services
B'well Counseling Services is a mental health therapy practice offering a full range of therapeutic services including online counseling in Towson, MD and the Greater Baltimore area. We believe in helping people rekindle their curiosity and reconnect to their core selves so that they can truly be well. We value wellness and connection over happiness because we understand that being able to experience the full range of human emotions and experiences is what helps us heal and grow. At B'well, we are dedicated to creating a space for anyone who has ever felt unwelcome because of their identity, orientation, or expression.
B'well Counseling Services offers Telehealth Therapy Services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.