Depression in Children and Teens

Call 911 , the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), or other emergency services right away if:

• Your child is thinking seriously of committing suicide or has recently tried to commit suicide. Serious signs include these thoughts:
  • Has decided how to kill himself or herself, such as with a weapon or medicines.
  • Has set a time and place to do it.
  • Thinks there is no other way to solve the problem or end the pain.
• Your child feels he cannot stop from hurting himself or someone else.

Call a doctor right away if:

• Your child hears voices.
• Your child has been thinking about death or suicide a lot but does not have a plan to commit suicide.
• Your child is worried a lot that the feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide are not going away.

Seek care soon if:

• Your child has symptoms of depression, such as:
  • Feeling sad or hopeless.
  • Not enjoying anything.
  • Having trouble with sleep.
  • Feeling guilty.
  • Feeling anxious or worried.
• Your child has been treated for depression for more than 3 weeks but is not getting better.

Who to see

Treatment for depression may involve professional Reference counseling Opens New Window, medicines, education about depression for your child and your family, or a combination of these. It is important that your child establish a long-term and comfortable relationship with the care providers for the treatment of depression.

Your child may be diagnosed and treated by more than one health professional, including a:

• Reference Pediatrician Opens New Window.
• Reference Psychiatrist Opens New Window.
• Reference Psychologist Opens New Window.
• Reference Family medicine physician Opens New Window.
• Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window.
• Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window.

Professional Reference counseling Opens New Window (or psychotherapy) for depression can be provided by a:

• Reference Psychiatrist Opens New Window.
• Reference Psychologist Opens New Window.

Other health professionals who also may be trained in counseling include a:

• Reference Social worker Opens New Window.
• Reference Licensed mental health counselor Opens New Window.
• Reference Psychiatric nurse Opens New Window.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.