Most children feel sad, anxious, angry or upset from time to time - it's simply part of growing up. Occasionally, their problems will be more serious. We look at some of the causes of distress and depression in children, the signs to look for and how you can help.
This article was last reviewed in September 2006.
First published in June 2000.
Some children talk about their feelings, others express them through moody or uncontrollable behaviour. If the difficult spell doesn't last too long and the child appears to be coping with everyday life, there's probably nothing to worry about.
Sometimes, however, problems arise that can lead to serious difficulties in the future. Children and young people are very sensitive to what goes on around them and, without the right support, can become distressed about situations they find hard to deal with.
Anyone with a diagnosis of mental distress, whatever their age, needs a lot of support. If you feel someone close to you is experiencing more than just passing emotional problems, you should encourage them to talk about their feelings and, if necessary, get advice from their GP.
When people are mentally upset, their behaviour can be unpredictable. For example, they may:
Events that aren't obviously traumatic, such as moving house, losing a favourite toy, the arrival of a new baby or being left for a long time with a person they don't know, can also cause long-term distress.
Toddlers who are depressed may be tearful and clingy, lose their appetite and wake up during the night or have nightmares. Their behaviour may become very demanding or destructive. Sometimes general development slows down and they forget toilet training.
School-age children may lose interest in work and play, or refuse to go to school. Some become irritable and difficult to control, others lose confidence and seem careless. Many find it hard to talk and show their feelings through behaviour alone. Stealing and playing truant can be signs that a child is feeling bad.
Most teenagers can be moody and uncommunicative at times, and this in itself is not a sign of depression. Signs that a teenager may have serious depression include:
It's important not to let difficulties continue for too long, as they can sap a child's confidence and self-esteem. They may also resurface later and seriously affect the young person's future.
There are lots of types of help available, including individual counselling, family therapy, behaviour therapy and group work. You could also think about art therapies, including drama, music and dance.
If you suspect any child or young person's unhappiness is more than a passing phase, get help early to avoid long-term depression. Consult your GP or contact Young Minds Parents Information Service.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions
Ruby Wax meets Sarah and Jacob, two young people who have been helped by YoungMinds.
I'm Worried (Your Feelings), Brian Moses, 1988. The emotion of anxiety, as it is experienced by young children.
So Young, So Sad, So Listen, Philip Graham & Carol Hughes, 2005 A book about depression in children and teenagers, aiming to help those involved recognise the signs.
If you're a child or young person and urgently need help, call Childline. Lines are open 24 hours a day. All calls from the UK are free.
YoungMinds is a national charity committed to improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.
Very Important Kids is a project which involves young people in raising awareness about the mental health isssues they face. It also helps them campaign for better mental health services.
Kids Company provides practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children.
The NSPCC works towards an end to cruelty to children in the UK.
Parentline Plus provides help and support to anyone caring for children - parents, grandparents, step-parents, relatives - for families living together as well as apart.
A school-based counselling service, dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of children, their families and the whole school community.
All content within BBC Health is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the BBC Health website. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. See our Links Policy for more information. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
BBC © 2012 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
~RS~p~RS~(none)~RS~a~RS~(none)~RS~u~RS~/health/support/support_young.shtml~RS~r~RS~(none)~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~34~RS~){kind=small}
