For many of us, the coronavirus pandemic has brought extra burdens on our mental health. But for children and adolescents, the threats can be even more serious. That’s because children and teenagers may be more vulnerable to depression, anxiety and PTSD when their lives are upended. Not only are their brains not fully developed, they have not learned the coping skills to deal with long-lasting difficult situations.

Kids’ Mental Health During Covid-19

Health studies have shown that in times of disasters, there is an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. For many adolescents, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown have brought chronic stress, worry for their families, unexpected deaths, home confinement, and distance from friends. Decreased physical activity, irregular sleep patterns, more screen time and altered diets aren’t supportive of mental health, either. All of this points to the negative impact of COVID-19 on children’s mental health.

Signs of Depression in Teenagers

So what can parents do? Keep a lookout for signs of mental health troubles. Be aware that symptoms of depression in teens are different than in adults. Depression in adults usually shows up as a continuous low mood state as adults often withdraw from those around them and become more isolated. But for teens, happy news, events or distractions can temporarily shake them out of their mood. And they may also continue to associate with their close friends. But it doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling with depression.

There are other differences also when it comes to depression in adults vs. adolescents. Depressed teens will often express their emotions through anger and irritability, while adults are usually more sad and withdrawn. Children and adolescents may report their depression as “feeling mad” more than “feeling sad.” Sleep disturbances may also differ between adults and teens struggling with depression. Adults are more prone to experience insomnia when they are depressed. But teens will often still find time to sleep, even at odd hours.

Here are other signs of depression in teens:

• Academic performance slipping
• Withdrawing from social contact
• Restlessness, agitation, and aggression
• Reluctance to participate in family activities
• Less attentive to personal appearance

Serious Symptoms of Depression in Teens

Parenting a depressed teenager can be challenging. Currently, it may be hard to know if the depression is just a temporary struggle with a difficult situation, such as the coronavirus affecting children’s mental health in general, or if the symptoms of depression warrant more serious concern.

According to the DSM-5 diagnostic manual used by an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrists, major depression in children and adolescents are identified by at least five of the following symptoms occurring over a period of at least 2 weeks:

• Depressed or irritable mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Daily insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
• Psychomotor agitation or sluggishness
• Loss of appetite
• Daily fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate
• Recurrent thoughts of death

How to Deal with Teenage Depression during the Coronavirus

If you’re convinced that your child or teenager is simply struggling with typical emotional challenges during the pandemic, here are some strategies you can use as a parent to support your child’s mental health:

• Talk to your children about what’s going on. Encourage them to express their emotions. Listen and validate how they feel.
• Focus on the positives and the light at the end of the tunnel. Praise your child and point out their positive qualities. Remind them of things they can look forward to.
• Promote healthy living patterns, including getting enough sleep and exercise, and eating well.
• Help your child find things that make them happy and do those things more. This could be listening to music, reading, chatting with friends, playing games, cooking, playing sports, or trying something new.
• Encourage them to stay in touch with friends and other family members however they can – through social media, email, phone calls, or sending a card. Help them think about family memories to share.

Adolescent Depression Treatment

If your child shows some of the more serious signs of depression identified earlier, you may want to consider child or adolescent depression treatment. Untreated depression can have serious, potentially long-lasting consequences. Teens can fall behind in school, lose friends, and have thoughts of suicide. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents with depression. Effective treatment options include psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Treatment may also include the temporary use of antidepressant medication.

Harmony United Psychiatric Care has mental health specialists trained in child and adolescent mental health, as well as adult and family, care. We offer psychiatric evaluations and treat a full range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and more. Our services include in-person appointments and online care throughout Florida. We accept most forms of insurance and can get your first appointment scheduled within 7 days. To schedule an appointment, visit our Book Appointments page, or call  (800) 457-4573.