If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child or teen may be suffering from depression.
Sadness is an emotion that we all experience from time to time to varying degrees of intensity. Just like joy, anxiety and anger, sadness is a feeling that comes and goes and is usually in response to an identifiable stressor or experience.
It is when sadness becomes very intense and remains at that intense level for a significant period of time that it can affect your everyday functioning. If your child or adolescent experiences a chronic sense of sadness and anhedonia and it is negatively impacting their functioning at home, school or in relationships, we are here to help. Give us a call at or send us a text to (973) 891-0793 if you are seeking relief for your child or teen.
Once chronic sadness reaches clinically depressive levels, it can fall into various categories. Some people may experience an episode of depression that lasts at least two weeks that occurs spontaneously in response to the death of a loved one, a romantic breakup, a medical illness or other life event. These episodes may be mild, moderate or severe in nature and may include changes in energy level, appetite, sleep, activity level and thoughts of death or suicide. Others may experience depression for a much longer period of time, two years or more, and have similar symptoms to a lesser degree. Some people may experience moods that shift from severe highs or mild highs to severe lows.
Depression can manifest differently in everyone, especially in children and teenagers. In addition to the symptoms described above, children and adolescents may present with frequent crying, changes in grades, irritability, and mood swings. You have an opportunity to help your child or teen feel better. We are here to help them and you as you support them throughout this healing process.
Depressive disorders are very commonly diagnosed in the United States. Most people will experience at least one or more depressive episodes in their lifetime. Our highly skilled clinical psychologists can help your child or teen to gain stability and achieve their goals. Through supportive, insight-oriented psychotherapy coupled with cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness-based strategies, we can guide your child or teen through this learning and healing process.
There is no need for your child or teen to suffer any longer. They are not alone. We are here to help them on this path toward relief and emotional health.
