Signs Your Child is Depressed

BuzzFeedVideo

2 Nov 201702:27

Summary

TLDRClinical psychologist Adriane Kruer discusses signs of depression in children, such as disinterest in activities, physical symptoms, and irritability. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for children to express their feelings and seeking professional help if they're in danger or show self-harm tendencies. Kruer highlights the benefits of therapy for children to understand themselves and their place in the world.

Takeaways

👩‍⚕️ Adriane Kruer is a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles with 10 years of experience working with children and families.
🧒 She specializes in helping children aged three to 18, starting her journey with a master's in art therapy.
👨‍👧‍👦 Adriane's work focuses on improving family dynamics, enhancing understanding, communication, and social interactions among children.
🏃‍♂️ Signs of depression in children may include a loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, such as sports or social events.
🤕 Physical symptoms like frequent headaches and stomachaches can also indicate depression in children.
👫 Difficulty in getting along with peers or siblings at school, which might be reported at school meetings, is another sign of depression.
😠 Increased irritability and anger in children can be a sign of underlying sadness or depression.
🗣️ It's crucial for adults to create a safe space for children to express their feelings and reassure them that they can talk openly about their emotions.
🚨 Immediate professional help should be sought if a child is in danger or has thoughts of self-harm or harming others.
📞 Emergency services, 911, or the suicide hotline with a youth division are available for such situations.
💬 Encouraging children to express their feelings is vital for understanding their emotional state and well-being.
🌟 Therapy can be highly beneficial for children, helping them understand their identity and how they want to interact with the world.

Q & A

Who is Adriane Kruer and what is her profession?
-Adriane Kruer is a clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles who has been working with children and families for approximately 10 years.
What is the age range of children that Adriane Kruer works with?
-Adriane Kruer works with children between the ages of three to 18.
How did Adriane Kruer's journey in working with children begin?
-Adriane Kruer started working with children when she pursued a master's degree in art therapy.
What are some signs of depression in children as mentioned by Adriane Kruer?
-Signs of depression in children may include a lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy, such as soccer practice or sleepovers, as well as physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches.
How might a child's behavior at school indicate depression according to the transcript?
-A child's depression might manifest as trouble getting along with peers or siblings, which could be discussed at a school meeting.
What emotional changes might be observed in a child who is depressed?
-A child who is depressed might be more irritable, have more outbursts, and be angrier than usual.
Why is it important for parents to create a safe space for their children to talk about their feelings?
-Creating a safe space is crucial because children may not understand their feelings of depression and need a supportive environment to express and understand their emotions.
What should a parent do if they suspect their child is in danger or having thoughts of self-harm?
-Parents should reach out for help immediately by calling local emergency services, 911, or the suicide hotline, particularly if there is a youth division available.
How can therapy benefit children according to Adriane Kruer?
-Therapy can help children make significant progress by allowing them to understand who they are, even at a young age, and how they want to be in the world.
What is the role of reassurance and encouragement when talking to children about their feelings?
-Reassurance and encouragement are important to provide children with the confidence to open up about their feelings and to know that they are supported.
What is the significance of paying attention to feelings in understanding how we interact with ourselves and others?
-Paying attention to feelings is vital for self-awareness and understanding our interactions with others, which can lead to better relationships and personal growth.

Outlines

00:00

👩‍⚕️ Introduction to a Clinical Psychologist

Adriane Kruer, a clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles, introduces herself and her work with children and families over the past decade. She specializes in working with children aged three to 18 and began her journey in this field with a master's degree in art therapy. Adriane emphasizes her passion for assisting families in understanding and communicating better with their children, as well as improving their social interactions.

😔 Signs of Depression in Children

The script discusses the signs of depression in children, which include a loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, such as soccer practice or sleepovers. Other indicators are increased physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches, frequent visits to the nurse's office, and difficulties in social interactions with peers and siblings. Irritability and anger are also highlighted as potential signs of depression, and it is suggested that these behaviors could be noticed during school meetings or at home.

🗣️ Communicating with Children about Depression

The importance of creating a safe space for children to express their feelings is stressed. Children may not understand their feelings of depression, so it's crucial for adults to provide reassurance and encouragement to help them open up. The script advises on the urgency of seeking professional help if a child is in danger or exhibits thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, recommending immediate contact with emergency services or a suicide hotline.

📞 Seeking Professional Help and the Benefits of Therapy

The script highlights the significance of paying attention to feelings for personal and social well-being and suggests reaching out to a professional as a starting point for conversation. It mentions that children can make significant progress in therapy, gaining self-understanding even at a young age. The benefits of therapy are underscored as a way for children to develop self-awareness and learn about their place in the world.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Clinical psychologist

A clinical psychologist is a licensed professional who provides psychological assessment, therapy, and diagnosis of mental health disorders. In the script, Adriane Kruer identifies herself as a clinical psychologist, emphasizing her expertise in working with children and families to improve their mental well-being and interpersonal relationships.

💡Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. The video discusses signs of depression in children, such as disinterest in usual activities and physical symptoms like headaches, which are crucial for identifying and addressing the condition.

💡Art therapy

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Adriane Kruer mentions starting her work with children through a master's in art therapy, indicating the use of creative methods to facilitate communication and self-expression in children.

💡Bodily symptoms

Bodily symptoms refer to physical manifestations that can be associated with psychological conditions, such as headaches or stomachaches. In the script, these symptoms are mentioned as potential indicators of depression in children, highlighting the connection between emotional distress and physical health.

💡Irritability

Irritability is a state of being easily annoyed or made angry. The video describes increased irritability and outbursts as signs of depression in children, showing how emotional states can affect a child's behavior and interactions with others.

💡Communication

Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings. The script emphasizes the importance of communication in helping families understand their children better and improve their relationships, suggesting that open dialogue is key to addressing mental health issues.

💡Safety

In the context of the video, safety refers to creating an environment where children feel secure to express their feelings without fear of judgment or harm. It is mentioned as a critical aspect of talking with children about their emotions, ensuring they know they have a supportive space to share their experiences.

💡Reassurance

Reassurance is the act of providing comfort or confidence to someone. The video script advises giving reassurance to children who may be feeling sad or depressed, indicating the importance of emotional support in helping them cope with their feelings.

💡Suicide hotline

A suicide hotline is a telephone service for individuals in crisis, providing immediate help and support. The script mentions the importance of reaching out to such services if there are concerns about a child's safety, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention in cases of severe distress.

💡Therapy

Therapy refers to the treatment or healing process, particularly in the context of mental health. The video discusses the benefits of therapy for children, including self-understanding and personal growth, suggesting that professional help can be instrumental in addressing and overcoming emotional challenges.

💡Self-understanding

Self-understanding is the awareness and knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires. The script highlights the importance of therapy in helping children develop self-understanding, even at a young age, allowing them to better navigate their emotions and relationships.

Highlights

Adriane Kruer is a clinical psychologist with 10 years of experience working with children and families.

Licensed to work with children aged three to 18, Adriane specializes in understanding and communication within families.

Began her journey in child psychology with a master's in art therapy.

Signs of depression in children may include disinterest in usual activities such as soccer practice or sleepovers.

Bodily symptoms like frequent headaches and stomachaches can indicate depression in children.

Increased visits to the nurse's office could be a sign of a child's emotional distress.

Depressed children might have difficulty getting along with peers or siblings, as mentioned in school meetings.

Irritability and outbursts can be signs of underlying sadness in children.

It's crucial for adults to provide a safe space for children to express their feelings of sadness or depression.

Children may not recognize their feelings of depression and need adult reassurance and encouragement to open up.

In cases of danger or self-harm thoughts, immediate action is necessary; contacting emergency services or a suicide hotline is advised.

The importance of paying attention to feelings for self-understanding and interpersonal relationships is emphasized.

Reaching out to a professional can initiate important conversations and help children make progress in understanding themselves.

Therapy can be beneficial for children to understand their identity and how they want to interact with the world, even from a young age.

The transcript concludes with the positive impact of providing children with a space to get to know themselves.