If you are a parent that is concerned your child may be experiencing some mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, you are not alone. The pandemic has taken a significant toll on children’s mental health and well-being. A recent study from SickKids showed that 50% of school-age kids are currently reporting symptoms of depression.
Many children have not been able to attend school, see their friends, or participate in any social activities for the better part of the past year. This, coupled with the uncertainty of when their pre-pandemic life will return, can lead to depression and anxiety, which can at times, go unnoticed.
Poor mental health in children has been associated with poor school performance, behavioral issues, experiencing physical ailments, such as tummy aches, social withdrawal and loneliness.
At PathWell, we have therapists specializing in child & youth mental health to ensure your children’s and teens’ mental health is well taken care of.
How to recognize depression and / or anxiety in your child?
- Crankiness or anger
- Mood change; i.e. irritability
- Withdrawal from usual social activity
- Lack of interest in usual enjoyable activities
- Outbursts/crying
- Fatigue/low energy levels
- Change in sleep schedule
- Suicidal thoughts
What can you do to help?
As a parent, the most important thing is to recognize and understand the signs of depression and/or anxiety in your child and seek the help they need. Children and youth can benefit from helpful therapies such as play-based therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy to help better cope with sad or anxious mood and teach them skills to help them overcome their depression or anxiety.
