Behavioral & Mental Health
Depression in Children & Teens
You're not alone — we're here to help.
Overview
Depression is a common mental health condition in kids and teens that causes persistent sadness or irritability and can affect school performance, relationships, and daily activities.
Why this matters for your child
School or learning
Depression can lead to poor concentration, declining grades, and difficulty completing schoolwork.
Behavior or emotions
Your child may withdraw from friends and family, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, or show increased irritability and anger. Some children may engage in risky behaviors or have thoughts of self-harm.
Daily functioning
Depression affects sleep, appetite, energy levels, and the ability to complete everyday tasks.
Common symptoms
Parents may notice:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness nearly every day for at least two weeks
- Increased irritability, anger, or frequent mood swings (especially common in children and teens)
- Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, or activities they used to enjoy
- Social withdrawal from friends and family
- Changes in sleep — either sleeping too much or having trouble falling or staying asleep
- Changes in appetite or weight — eating much more or much less than usual
- Fatigue or low energy, even after rest
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or negative self-talk
- Thoughts about death or suicide
When to see a doctor
Consider evaluation if your child:
- Shows symptoms of depression, especially if lasting more than two weeks
- Has declining school performance or refuses to attend school
- Withdraws from friends, family, or previously enjoyed activities
- Expresses feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Mentions thoughts of death, dying, or suicide (seek immediate care) or shows self-harming behaviors
- Experiences symptoms that interfere with daily life at home, school, or with peers
How we evaluate this condition
Medical history
We'll talk with you and your child about symptoms, how long they've been present, any stressful life events, and how symptoms affect daily functioning.
Screening tools
We use validated questionnaires like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire to assess depression symptoms. These are recommended for annual screening starting in the preteen and teen years.
Physical examination
We'll rule out medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, depending on what main symptoms your child is having.
Treatment & management options
Lifestyle & behavioral strategies
Regular physical activity, consistent sleep schedules, limiting screen time, and reducing stress can all help improve mood. For mild depression, these changes along with supportive monitoring or counseling may be sufficient.
Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy can be very effective for adolescent depression. They help your child develop coping skills, challenge negative thinking patterns, and improve relationships. We discuss what getting connected with a therapist looks like and how to go about it.
Medications (if applicable)
For moderate to severe depression, antidepressant medications may be recommended, often in combination with therapy.
Other interventions
Family therapy, school-based support programs, and collaborative care involving your pediatrician and mental health specialists.
Our approach
At Mercer Island Pediatrics, we screen early and often — at every annual wellness visit starting at age 11. We also dedicate entire appointments to mental health visits, so we have enough time to address needs and come up with a plan. We work closely with families to create treatment plans that may include therapy recommendations, medication management when appropriate, and coordination with mental health specialists when needed.
Reassurance for parents
Depression in children and adolescents is treatable, and most young people respond well to appropriate treatment. With early identification and getting plugged into care — whether through therapy, medication, or both — children and teens with depression can receive the support they need.
Ready to talk?
If you are concerned about depression in your child or teen, schedule a visit with us at Mercer Island Pediatrics. We're here to support your family.
This guide is for general education only. When in doubt, call us — we'd rather hear from you.