Children, Adolescents Depression & Anxiety

Many parents and caregivers associate low mood and anxiety as adult problems, but mental health challenges affect people of all ages. Just like adults, children and teens can experience mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Sometimes it can be difficult for adults to help children and teens with their problems, because they may not understand what they are trying to communicate. The pressures of growing up in the COVID-19 era can be a daunting task for some children and teens. It is important that we acknowledge their concerns and worries, which may at times seem minute. It is important to take depression and anxiety in young people seriously.

As a parent or caregiver, you may ask yourself 'Now What'?

Since depression and anxiety are very treatable conditions, early treatment is important. Supporting a young person who experiences anxiety and depression can be accessed through your family physician, which is often the first and best place to start. You may also seek support through people like psychologists and counsellors. It is important to create a circle of care for young people, to support treatment and to prevent further deterioration. Since children spend the majority of their day at school, reach our to your child's teachers and ask if they have noticed a change in your child during the school day. If your child has received a mental health diagnoses, you may be able to request your child's school to provide accommodations to support their learning goals. No matter what you do, remember there is help out there. 

If you need support in exploring the following topic with your child book a free consultation.