Signs Your Child is Depressed

Summary

Clinical 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.