When You Need To Find A Child Therapist

Childhood depression is a real illness that requires early diagnosis for treatment to be effective. Childhood trauma can result from any short or long term life event that disrupts a child’s sense of safety and security, including unstable or unsafe environments; separation from a parent through death, divorce, or deployment; serious illness or intrusive medical procedures; abuse or neglect of any kind; domestic or community violence; and bullying or harassment. The more helpless, frightened, or vulnerable a child feels as a result of the trauma, the more likely that child is to experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or depression. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. If you feel your child needs help coping with a difficult life event, trust your instincts.

Warning signs of childhood depression can manifest as any sudden and significant change in normal activity patterns or interest levels.   Specific circumstances that may benefit  from direct intervention by a licensed psychologist or therapist can include:
  • any change in academic achievement or participation
  • prolonged episodes of sadness or anger
  • unusual difficulty with attention or memory
  • any purposeful social withdrawal or isolation
  • being the victim of bullying
  • bullying other children
  • sudden or steady decrease of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • overly aggressive behavior
  • any sign of self injurious behavior  
  • sudden changes in appetite or eating patterns
  • complaints of insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness
  • any increase in school absenteeism or tardiness
  • unusual or excessive mood swings
  • somatic complaints, or complaints of physical pain/discomfort/illness in the absence of diagnosed causal physical ailments
  • serious, acute, or chronic illness
  • any signs of alcohol, drug, or substance use
  • sudden problems with routine or familiar transitions
  • sudden or expected bereavement
  • custody disputes or battles
  • any discussion of any sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events.