What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.
It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, making it difficult to manage daily tasks and relationships. While everyone experiences sadness at times, depression is more intense, lasting for weeks, months, or even longer, and often requires treatment to help someone feel better and regain their sense of well-being.
Self-Injurious Behavior:
Self-injurious behavior (SIB) refers to the act of deliberately causing harm to oneself, typically to cope with intense emotions, stress, or feelings of numbness. This can include behaviors like cutting, burning, or hitting oneself. While it may offer temporary relief from emotional pain or distress, it is not a healthy coping mechanism, and individuals who engage in self-injury often struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, or isolation.
Importantly, self-injurious behavior is different from suicidal behavior. Self-harm does not necessarily indicate a desire to end one's life but rather serves as a way of managing emotional overwhelm. However, that same emotional overwhelm can easily lead to suicidal thoughts. Fifty percent of people who engage in self-injurious behavior experience suicidal thoughts and they are at a significantly higher risk for suicidal actions.
Why is it important to do a psychological assessment for my child with depression?
Many children and adolescents want to tell someone how they are feeling, but they need the right person to hear them. It surprises many parents that despite a close relationship, their teen or child may not share how they are feeling. Parents may also notice that something feels off, such as a teen that is suddenly quite irritable, but they may not suspect that their child is experiencing depression. While pediatricians are great at screening for depression, they typically don’t have the amount of time needed for a teen or child to feel comfortable making this type of self-disclosure about how they are feeling. Psychologists are trained in connecting with clients, eliciting this type of information, and assessing suicide risk.
Does my child need to take medication?
Medication can be very effective in rapidly alleviating symptoms of depression, but it is not the only option. Research shows that Cognitive Behavior Therapy has similar efficacy rates. Therapy provides better relapse prevention by changing thought patterns, teaching individuals to recognize triggers, and strategies one can rely on in future stressful situations. However, therapy takes time. When a child or teen is severely depressed, medication is often recommended as a quick fix to “take some pressure off.” The reason for this is suicide prevention. An individual can always concurrently work on changing their cognitions and developing good coping strategies in therapy, then discontinue medication. Unfortunately, suicide attempts can have permanent consequences. Even if an attempt is not fatal, it can still result in lasting impacts on an individual’s physical and mental health.
Is therapy or medication more effective?
In cases of mild to moderate depression, the success rate of therapy versus medication is very similar; however, therapy has a better relapse prevention rate. Research shows that the most effective treatment is a combination of therapy and medication.
Does My Child Need to Go to the Hospital If They Are Depressed?
If your child is expressing thoughts of suicide, engaging in suicidal behaviors, or you have any concerns about their immediate safety, it’s important to seek help right away. Suicide has long-term, irreversible consequences, so taking proactive steps to ensure your child’s safety is crucial.
Do not wait for a psychological assessment or to see your child’s therapist in person if you’re worried about their well-being. Many communities have crisis units at hospitals or private psychiatric facilities. You can contact your child’s therapist (if applicable) for more information about resources in your area; however, all emergency rooms are equipped to manage mental health emergencies.
If you're unable to safely get your child to the hospital, or if you are concerned that your child might engage in dangerous behavior during the car ride, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders are trained to handle these situations and can provide transportation and support to ensure your child gets the care they need.
While the experience of going to the emergency room for mental health care can be challenging, especially with long wait times, it's important to view it as an act of love and care. In this critical moment, getting your child the help they need is the top priority.
In most cases, individuals seeking mental health support in the emergency room are placed in a crisis unit where they are monitored, and their mood is stabilized. While being separated from your child during this time can be difficult, remember that you are giving them the best possible chance to start their recovery by ensuring their safety and helping stabilize their condition.
Will my child experience depression again throughout their life?
Unfortunately, research suggests that 50-70% of people who experience an episode of depression will experience at least one relapse during their lifetime. Rates of relapse are lower in those who were effectively treated with Cognitive Behavior Therapy because they have the strategies to recognize and intervene when symptoms reappear. Risk for relapse increases if depression lasts for an extended period (i.e., over two years), so getting appropriate treatment early is important.
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