Mental Health Matters: Recognizing Signs of Anxiety and Depression in Children

Two common mental health conditions that often require professional help are anxiety and depression. These two disorders are sometimes intertwined and require continuous, specialized care for the best results. Children are vulnerable to anxiety and depression due to their interactions with family, in school with peers, and social media, among other factors. Get mental health help from a provider at Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS.

Definitions of Anxiety and Depression

Both anxiety and depression are disorders that can interfere with a person’s ability to conduct normal life activities. Though they are complex conditions that require personalized care, these descriptions will help you gain a basic understanding of anxiety and depression:

• Anxiety is an overwhelming sense of nervousness, insecurity, worry, or fear of what might happen either now or in the future, which is sometimes based on a past event. 
• Depression is a general feeling of sadness, hopelessness, defeat, and disinterest that can make it almost impossible to function normally in daily life.

Signs of Anxiety and Depression in Children

Anxiety and depression are mental conditions that have become more common in children, especially with societal and environmental changes. These are some possible signs of these disorders in children that you should discuss with your Meadville and Monticello, MS, mental health provider:

• Anxiety
  • Crying often.
  • Unreasonable displays of fear.
  • Trichotillomania (plucking out hairs).
  • Picking the skin, chewing the inside of the mouth, or similar behaviors.
  • Obsessive and compulsive behaviors.
  • Fidgeting and moving around a lot (can't stay still or in one place).
• Depression
  • Sleeping too much or insomnia.
  • Lack of appetite or overeating.
  • Withdrawal from social activities and playing with other children.
  • Suicidal ideation (casual mentions of not wanting to be alive).
  • Constant self-blame or self-criticizing. 
  • Lack of interest in activities that they loved in the past, such as playing an instrument or drawing.

Get Mental Health Care for Your Child

Your child’s mental health must be a top priority to ensure good relationships, performance in school, and general well-being. If you feel your child may be struggling with anxiety and depression, call (601) 384-1646 and (601) 587-4304 today to schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS.