Depression
- Introduction
- What is depression and what causes it?
- What are the symptoms of depression?
- How is it diagnosed?
- What is the prognosis?
- What is the risk for other family members or future children?
- What treatments/therapies/medications are recommended or available?
- How will my child’s and our family’s life be changed?
- How do children and youth experience depression?
- Are antidepressants safe in children and adolescents? I heard that they could cause suicidal thinking.
- What illnesses often occur with depression?
- Resources
Introduction
What is depression and what causes it?
What are the symptoms of depression?
- Sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings that do not go away
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness, impatience
- Loss of interest in favorite things or activities
- Fatigue and a lack of energy
- Problems concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Sleeplessness (insomnia), sleeping too much, or trouble staying asleep
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not go away even with treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
What is the prognosis?
What is the risk for other family members or future children?
What treatments/therapies/medications are recommended or available?
How will my child’s and our family’s life be changed?
How do children and youth experience depression?
Are antidepressants safe in children and adolescents? I heard that they could cause suicidal thinking.
What illnesses often occur with depression?
Resources
Information & Support
If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your primary care doctor. Others who can help are listed below.
Mental Health Resources:
- Mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
- Health care centers
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
- Mental health programs at colleges or medical schools
- State hospital outpatient clinics
- Family services, social agencies, or clergy
- Support groups
- Private clinics and facilities
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
For Parents and Patients
Support
Child and Adolescent Mental Health (NIMH)
Information about mental health conditions in children and adolescents, including a list of warning signs, featured videos,
and health hotlines; National Institute of Mental Health.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Provides information about mental illnesses, links to state chapters, information about conferences, and links to additional
resources.
General
Mental Health America (MHA)
National non-profit organization, with numerous local affiliates, dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier
lives. Includes information on a variety of mental health topics in English and Spanish.
Understanding Depression (KidsHealth)
How to recognize depression in children, give support, and seek help.
The Depressed Child (AACAP)
Common symptoms of depression in children and teenagers; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Children's Mental Health (MHA)
Policy, advocacy, information, and referral to maximize mental health for people of all ages; Mental Health America.
Depression and Other Disorders (SAMHSA)
Information about depression, anxiety disorders, and others.
Depression (NAMI)
Explanations of treatment for various mental disorders, including depression, and suggestions for how to help yourself or
others who are struggling with mental health issues ; National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Child Mental Health (Medline Plus)
Information for families that includes description, frequency, causes, inheritance, other names, and additional resources;
from the National Library of Medicine.
Teen Mental Health (Medline Plus)
Information for families that includes description, frequency, causes, inheritance, other names, and additional resources;
from the National Library of Medicine.
Allies with Families
Provides emotional support, training, and resource information for families of children with emotional, behavioral, and mental
health disabilities; also includes workshops for siblings.
Teens & Young Adults (NAMI)
Focused information about adolescent depression, how to find help, and links to a teen mental health forum called Ok2Talk;
National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Services for Patients & Families in Montana (MT)
Service Categories | # of providers* in: | MT | NW | Other states (5) (show) | | ID | NM | NV | RI | UT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
General Counseling Services | 146 | 1 | 201 | 96 | 174 | 33 | 440 | |||
Psychiatry/Medication Management | 18 | 20 | 14 | 41 | 79 | 64 |
For services not listed above, browse our Services categories or search our database.
* number of provider listings may vary by how states categorize services, whether providers are listed by organization or individual, how services are organized in the state, and other factors; Nationwide (NW) providers are generally limited to web-based services, provider locator services, and organizations that serve children from across the nation.
Studies
Depression in Children and Adolescents (ClinicalTrials.gov)
Studies looking at better understanding, diagnosing, and treating this condition; from the National Library of Medicine.
National Institute of Mental Health Current Clinical Trials - Depression