Getting treatment for depression can feel daunting. Often the depression itself gets in the way. A child who is depressed might be feeling overwhelmed, tired and hopeless. She might also be unfairly blaming herself or her circumstances for the way she feels. These are some of the characteristic symptoms and thoughts that accompany depression, and they can make it hard for someone who’s depressed to speak up and look upon their parents.

But treatment can really help children and adolescents struggling with depression, including various therapies and medications that have all been proven to be effective. The kind of treatment recommended for your child will depend on her symptoms and preferences, and the expertise of her clinician. Many clinicians recommend that if a child is taking antidepressant medication then she should also be participating in therapy.But treatment can really help children and adolescents struggling with depression, including various therapies and medications that have all been proven to be effective. The kind of treatment recommended for your child will depend on her symptoms and preferences, and the expertise of her clinician. Many clinicians recommend that if a child is taking antidepressant medication then she should also be participating in therapy.