Depression in children doesn’t always look like sadness. It can show up in unexpected ways.

• Changes in energy or behavior. Some children appear tired and withdrawn, while others may become unusually restless, silly, or overactive to mask their sadness.

• Loss of interest in play.  Activities and play that once brought joy may now feel 

• dull or uninteresting.

• Emotional ups and downs.  Irritability, frequent tearfulness, or “big feelings” can become more common.

• Struggles at school or home. Trouble focusing, failing grades, or conflicts with family and peers may signal something deeper than “just acting out.”

 

 

 

                         What Is Childhood Depression?

 

 

Childhood depression is more than occasional sadness.  It is a serious condition that can affect a child’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior. While every child feels sad or moody at times, depression lingers and begins to interfere with daily life, learning, and relationships.

 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 3% of children and 12% of adolescents in the U.S. experience depression. Because symptoms often look different in children than in adults, depression can be overlooked or misinterpreted. Early identification and support are key to helping children regain balance and resilience.

 

 

Common Signs of Childhood Depression:

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• ​​Persistent sadness or irritability.

• Sudden changes in energy (withdrawn or unusually overly active).

• Frequent complaints of headaches or stomachaches with no clear cause.

• Loss of interest in friends, play, or favorite activities.

• Having difficulty concentrating which can lead to in slipping grades.

• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness.

• Talking about death or wishing they weren’t alive (immediate professional help needed).

 

 

                                 How Therapy Can Help

 

 

Childhood depression affects not just the child, but the whole family system. Therapy provides children with a safe, understanding space to express what they may not have words for yet.

Through counseling, children can:

• Learn healthy ways to manage emotions and stress

• Develop coping skills tailored to their age and stage of development

• Build confidence, self-compassion, and resilience

• Strengthen relationships at home and school

• Regain joy, curiosity, and connection with others

For parents, therapy also provides tools and guidance for supporting your child’s recovery. With the right help, children can—and do—get better.

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​Children thrive in supportive environments where they feel safe, understood, and believed. Therapy is effective because it combines evidence based approaches with       a supportive therapeutic relationship that helps children feel safe enough to share   and explore their feelings.

 

Our therapists use methods shown to be effective with children and families, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):   helps children recognize unhelpful thoughts and practice healthier coping skills.

• Play Therapy:  allows children to express feelings through play when words are difficult to express.

• Family Therapy:  strengthens communication, reduces conflict, and supports the whole family system.

• Mindfulness and Regulation Skills:   help children regulate their bodies and            concentrate more effectively.

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Research shows that children who receive early treatment for depression are more likely to make a full recovery and less likely to struggle with depression as adults.

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 Why Choose Forward Focus Counseling Center

 

 

At Forward Focus Counseling Center, we know children make the most progress when their families are actively involved in treatment.  That is why we include parents and any significant person in the child's life in the treatment process.  We bring decades of expertise in child development and family systems to provide treatment for your child that is compassionate, individualized, and effective.

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What sets us apart:

• Expertise in childhood mental health.  Our team is trained to recognize unique signs of depression in children and to use interventions children respond to in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.  We integrate approaches such as play therapy, child focused cognitively behavioral strategies and family therapy to support children's psychoemotional growth.
   

• Evidence informed developmentally sensitive care.  We have had intensive specialized training in play therapy methods and family therapy.

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• We strongly encourage parents and the child's significant others in their life to actively participate in the therapy process.  Therapist provides these individuals with guidance, education, and resources.

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• Flexible, supportive and easily accessible care.   We accept most major insurances. 

       We are in-network for governmental plans with Medicare and are in the process of 

          credentialing with Medicaid.

 

At FFCC, our mission is to provide compassionate, effective treatment that empowers children to heal and equips families with the tools they need to thrive currently and 

into the future.

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                                 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

 

Q.:   Do children really get depressed?
A.:   Yes. While depression is often associated experience depression.   Their symptoms may be different than adults.  This is the reason a professional evaluation is important.with adults, children can and do experience depression.   Their symptoms may be different than adults.  This is the reason a professional evaluation is important.                                 

Q.:  How do I know if it’s depression or just a phase?
A.:  Sadness, moodiness, or irritability can be normal at times.  If these symptoms last more than two weeks and significantly interfere with school performance, peer relationships, or daily functioning, they may indicate a depressive disorder

 

Q.:  Will my child need medication?
A.:  Not all children need medication. Many respond well to therapy alone. If we believe additional support could be beneficial, we’ll work with you and your child’s doctor to explore options.

 

Q.:  How can I support my child at home?
A.:  Encouraging open communication, maintaining routines, and seeking professional help are important first steps. We’ll provide tools and resources for you to continue supporting your child outside of sessions.

 

 

​Depression doesn’t have to define your child’s future. With the right support, children can heal, grow, and thrive.  At Forward Focus Counseling Center, we're here to walk with you every step of the way."

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