Published by Briony McKean at February 21, 2020

What Is Childhood Depression?

Childhood depression is a mental health condition that affects the way a child thinks, feels, and behaves.

Children with depression may:

Feel persistently sad or irritable
Withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed
Experience changes in sleep or appetite
Struggle with concentration and motivation
Have negative thoughts about themselves

Depression can affect children of all ages, including primary school-aged children and adolescents.

Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Depression

Children do not always express depression in the same way adults do. Some children may appear sad and withdrawn, while others become irritable, angry, or emotionally reactive.

Common Signs of Childhood Depression Include:

Persistent Low or Irritable Mood

Children may appear:

Sad
Easily frustrated
Tearful
More emotional than usual

Loss of Interest in Activities

A child may stop enjoying:

Hobbies
Sports
Playing with friends
Family activities

Changes in Sleep

This may include:

Sleeping more than usual
Difficulty sleeping
Frequent nightmares
Fatigue during the day

Changes in Appetite

Some children may eat significantly more or less than usual.

Difficulty Concentrating

Children may struggle with:

Schoolwork
Memory
Decision-making
Staying focused

Low Self-Esteem or Guilt

Children may say things such as:

“I’m no good”
“Nobody likes me”
“Everything is my fault”

Withdrawal from Others

Children may isolate themselves socially or avoid interactions with friends and family.

Thoughts About Death or Suicide

Some children may express hopelessness or thoughts about death.

Any talk of self-harm or suicide should always be taken seriously and assessed by a healthcare professional immediately.

When Should Parents Be Concerned?

Many children experience emotional ups and downs. However, support may be needed if symptoms:

Occur most days
Last longer than two weeks
Affect school, friendships, or family life
Cause noticeable distress or withdrawal

Early intervention can improve emotional wellbeing and reduce long-term mental health difficulties.

What Causes Childhood Depression?

There is no single cause of childhood depression. It is often influenced by a combination of:

Biological factors
Genetics
Personality
Environment
Life experiences

Common contributing factors include:

Bullying or social difficulties
Family stress
Trauma or loss
Low self-esteem
Academic pressure
Anxiety disorders
Chronic stress

How Parents Can Support a Child with Depression

Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.

1. Spend Quality Time Together

Creating opportunities for connection helps children feel supported, safe, and understood.

This may include:

Talking together
Playing games
Reading
Going for walks
Listening without judgement

2. Validate Your Child’s Feelings

Children benefit from feeling heard rather than dismissed.

Helpful responses include:

“That sounds really difficult.”
“I can see you’re upset.”
“I’m here to help you.”

Validation helps strengthen emotional safety and communication.

3. Encourage Healthy Coping Skills

Support your child to:

Identify emotions
Express feelings safely
Develop calming strategies
Build problem-solving skills

4. Support Healthy Routines

Mental health is strongly linked to:

Sleep
Nutrition
Exercise
Social connection
Routine and structure

Ensuring these basic needs are met can support emotional regulation.

5. Seek Professional Support When Needed

A GP or psychologist can help assess symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Sometimes physical health conditions can also contribute to low mood, so medical assessment may be important.

How CBT Helps Childhood Depression

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective evidence-based therapies for childhood depression.

CBT helps children:

Understand emotions
Identify unhelpful thoughts
Build coping strategies
Improve emotional regulation
Develop confidence and resilience

Because children learn differently from adults, CBT for children is adapted to suit developmental age and learning style.

What Does CBT for Children Look Like?

Children often learn best through:

Play
Creativity
Games
Stories
Hands-on activities

Therapy sessions are designed to feel safe, engaging, and age-appropriate.

A strong therapeutic relationship also helps children feel accepted, supported, and understood.

Common CBT Techniques Used with Children

Emotion Identification Activities

Children may:

Draw emotions
Use feeling charts
Colour body outlines to identify physical sensations linked to emotions

This helps children build emotional awareness and communication skills.

Thought Detective Activities

Children learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts.

For example:

“Nobody likes me”
“I’m bad at everything”

The therapist helps the child look for evidence for and against the thought, developing more balanced thinking.

Behavioural Activation

Children are encouraged to gradually increase enjoyable and meaningful activities that improve mood and confidence.

Safe Place Imagery

Children may learn guided imagery exercises where they imagine a calming, safe place using all five senses.

This can help reduce anxiety and emotional distress.

Coping Skills Training

Children may learn:

Relaxation strategies
Problem-solving skills
Emotional regulation techniques
Social and communication skills

Why Early Intervention Matters

Early support can help children:

Develop healthy coping skills
Improve emotional resilience
Build confidence
Strengthen relationships
Improve school functioning

Children who receive support early are often better equipped to manage future emotional challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of childhood depression?

Signs may include persistent sadness, irritability, withdrawal, sleep changes, low self-esteem, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty concentrating.

How common is depression in children?

Childhood depression affects a significant number of children and adolescents and can occur at any age.

Can CBT help childhood depression?

Yes. CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps children identify thoughts, emotions, and behaviours linked to depression.

What happens in CBT sessions for children?

Sessions often include games, art activities, storytelling, emotional learning, and coping skills development.

When should I seek help for my child?

If symptoms last longer than two weeks or significantly affect daily functioning, professional support is recommended.

Can children recover from depression?

Yes. With early intervention and appropriate support, many children experience significant improvement.

Call to Action

If you are concerned about your child’s emotional wellbeing, early support can make a meaningful difference.

At CBT Professionals, our child psychologists provide evidence-based CBT therapy tailored to children and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional difficulties.

👉 Contact our team today to learn more about child psychology services or book an appointment with one of our experienced psychologists.

We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments for families across Australia.

Disclaimer

This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a registered healthcare professional. Please consult your doctor or qualified health practitioner regarding your child’s individual circumstances.

Childhood Depression

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