Mental Health Matters

How to help Children with Anxiety and Depression

Current Trends in Child/Adolescent Mental Health

Statistics

Anxiety and Depression in 8-18 is on the rise

As high as ⅓ to ¼ have symptoms

Rates doubled during and after pandemic

Treatable with resources

What are the symptoms of Depression?

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Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Increase in restless activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

When do I need to get my child help?

Seek professional help or reassurance yourself if your child is:

constantly anxious or depressed

it's not getting better, or is getting worse

self-help is not working

it's affecting their normal functioning in school,

family life or friendships

they lose interest in the things they used to do

What are the symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness, and involve excessive fear or anxiety. Think of an alarm system that misfires.

Constant worries running through your head and you can’t stop the worrying

Intrusive thoughts you can’t avoid or stop

Inability to tolerate uncertainty

Types of Anxiety

Generalized Anxiety Disorder - all domains of life

Social Anxiety Disorder - common in teens

Separation Anxiety Disorder - younger children

Panic Disorder - more common in teens

Professionals to help

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Family Doctors - check up/rule out physical symptoms

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Psychiatrists - prescribe medication

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Psychologists - perform testing / specialties

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Counselors / Therapists - CBT therapy most helpful

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Nutritionist - Proper Nutrition

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Other Health Professionals

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Ways to Seek Help

• It takes time to find the right treatment* - it takes time and commitment
• Don’t rely on medications alone; best long term results are combination
• Get social support - for parents and children, group therapy
• Lifestyle Changes - Sleep, Diet, Exercise, Breathing, Stress Management
• Rule out Medical Causes
• Apps / Self Help books

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These tips can help you feel better -- starting right now.

1.  Get in a routine

2. Set goals for yourself

3. Exercise, especially outside. It temporarily boosts feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Regular exercise seems to encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways.

4. Eat healthy. There is no magic diet, but cut down on refined sugar and processed foods.

5. Get Enough Sleep.  **** #1 for Teens

6. Take on responsibilities. Get out of the house and be with other people, even when you don’t feel like it.

7. Challenge negative thoughts. A lot of the work is mental -- changing how you think.

8. Do something new. Push yourself to do something different - your brain likes it

9. Try to have fun; Laughter is important and finding the things that bring happiness.

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Try just one thing at a time - change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and patience

Why people Avoid Treatment

• Stigma – I’m not crazy

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• Severity – wait too long

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• Getting Started – Don’t know where to start, overwhelming process

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• Time and Energy - online options

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• Money

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• Loved Ones - Well-meaning loved ones are another deterrent. “People suffering with symptoms may be told by well-meaning friends and family that they will get through it, that it’s just a phase, or they may provide well-meaning but deficient solutions,” according to Massey-Hastings. For instance, if you’re depressed, they might suggest exercising more, she said.

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Helpful Things to Say to Support Someone

Helpful Not Helpful

I’m here for you Just think positive

That sounds really hard You’re just making excuses

I care about you You’re acting crazy

Do you want to talk about it Other people have real problems

You’re not alone Get over it

You’re important to me Stop worrying so much

Even if I don’t understand I’ll listen Running/Yoga always makes me feel better

You can do this Snap out of it

How are you managing today? You’re always so negative

This feeling won’t last forever Stop feeling sorry for yourself

You aren’t a burden It’s all in your head

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is the strongest evidence base for success in treating anxiety and depression disorders

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The aim is to help understand the difference between

THOUHGTS

FEELINGS

BEHAVIORS

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