Childhood depression ; more than just a phase.
- medyouthalliance
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Written by Aaron Payne
MedYouthAlliance | October 2025
It’s normal for children to feel their emotions , such as disappointment on a test score or frustration with their friends and even family. When these symptoms are at a heightened and prolonged state (2 weeks is given as an usual guideline) that’s when we start engage the idea of childhood depression. Childhood depression affects about 3 percent of children ages 3 to 17 suffer from a form of depression. 1 in 5 of adolescents are diagnosed with mDD and likely even more go undiagnosed and untreated. It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms to help treat the condition early.
Childhood depression can present differently in girls and boys, with girls more likely to show internalizing symptoms like sadness, guilt, and low self-esteem, and boys more likely to exhibit externalizing symptoms like irritability, aggression, and risk-taking behaviors. Girls often experience more feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, and concentration issues, while boys may show more anger, restlessness, and anhedonia (loss of pleasure). Most interestingly , there is an equal amount of both sex’s which suffer from depression. Although studies have shown that traditional diagnostic tools and school behaviour allows for a more easy diagnosis of boys , its remedied by the traditional idea of “boys being boys” lingering in many day to day individuals such as school teachers.
Furthermore , depression can exhibit itself in many forms , commonly such as :
1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• What it is: The most common and well-known form of depression.
• Key signs: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, guilt, and difficulty concentrating.
• Duration: Symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
• Some children experience recurrent episodes separated by periods of feeling better.
2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
• What it is: A chronic, milder form of depression.
• Key signs: Low mood that lasts for a year or more in children, along with irritability, low energy, or poor self-esteem.
• Kids with this condition may seem “down” or “grumpy” most of the time but may not appear deeply sad.
• It can affect school performance and relationships over time.
3. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
• What it is: A diagnosis used for children (typically ages 6–18) who have severe, frequent temper outbursts and a persistently irritable or angry mood between outbursts.
• Key signs: Outbursts happen three or more times per week in more than one setting (home, school, etc.), lasting at least 12 months.
• It helps distinguish between chronic irritability and other mood disorders like bipolar disorder.
Treatments:
Understanding the specific type of depression helps clinicians tailor treatment whether it’s therapy, medication, family support, or school-based interventions. No matter the diagnosis, early help and compassion make a huge difference in a child’s recovery and resilience. Using drawing and recreational art is a main form of expression to try help and remedy depression.
Trained art therapists use structured techniques to help children explore themes like loss, fear, or change in a safe environment. For example, a child might draw “what sadness looks like,” then discuss the picture. This helps children name and process difficult emotions, a crucial step in recovery. Children often find it difficult to explain sadness, guilt, or worry. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage, they can express feelings symbolically , using colours, shapes, and images. This helps therapists and parents understand what’s happening inside a child’s mind without forcing verbal explanations.
Living With: How Can I Help My Child With Depression?
The most important thing parents and caregivers can do for a child with depression , or any mood disorder ,is to listen and offer steady support. When you notice changes in your child’s mood or behavior, start a gentle conversation. Ask open-ended questions about how they’re feeling emotionally, physically, and about themselves. Sometimes, what your child doesn’t say can be just as important as what they do share. If talking seems to make your child’s symptoms worse, that’s okay — it might mean you need to try a different approach next time. But if your child ever mentions wanting to die or harm themselves, reach out for immediate professional help from their mental health provider or a crisis service.
You can also support your child by keeping track of their daily patterns, such as:
• Sleep and eating habits
• Energy levels and activity level
• Any medication side effects
• How they communicate and interact with family
• Interest and participation in hobbies or favorite activities
• Relationships and interactions with friends
Because it can be hard to recall all these details during appointments, consider keeping a simple journal or notes. Bringing this information to your child’s healthcare visits can help you and their provider recognize patterns, track progress, and make any necessary adjustments to their care plan. Childhood depression can be daunting to face for children and families alike. But with compassion, awareness, and the right care, recovery is absolutely possible.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remember: no child should struggle in silence. By talking openly about mental health and learning to recognize the signs, we can help every child feel seen, supported, and safe to ask for help. Below I have attached some suitable helplines with brief explanations on their usages
Reliable, research-based information on depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions in children and teens. Offers educational materials, videos, and guidance for families.
A children’s mental health charity that works with schools across the UK to provide counselling and emotional support for pupils and parents.
The UK’s leading charity for children and young people’s mental health. Offers advice for parents, guides on spotting the signs of depression, and a free Parents Helpline (0808 802 5544) for one-to-one support.
Thank you for reading my blog :)
Aaron Payne
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