Recognizing Depression in Children: Signs Parents Should Never Ignore

How do you know if your child’s irritability, tummy aches, or withdrawal from friends might actually be signs of depression in children? In this powerful conversation, mental health professional Susan Ringle joins us to share how depression often looks different in kids than adults—and why parents should trust their instincts when something feels “off.”

You’ll learn how to recognize childhood depression symptoms, what next steps to take if you’re worried, and how to support both your child and yourself through the process.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who loves a child struggling with emotions that go deeper than sadness.

Link to Mental Health America self-screening tools: https://screening.mhanational.org/

Primary Topics Covered

• Why depression looks different in children than in adults
• Common signs of depression in kids: irritability, tantrums, somatic complaints (tummy aches, headaches)
• How to distinguish between sadness and clinical depression
• The “COAL” framework for parents: Curiosity, Observation, Acceptance, Loving Guidance
• The role of sleep, appetite, and regression in detecting mental health struggles
• How COVID-19 and isolation have impacted kids’ mental health
• When and how to seek professional help (pediatricians, school counselors, child therapists)
• Why parents also need support when raising a child with depression
• Breaking stigma: why seeking help is a strength, not a weakness
• Resources for families, including screenings and child-focused therapy

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and technical setup  
02:39 Why childhood depression looks different than adult depression  
03:55 Symptoms parents might overlook: irritability, tantrums, regression  
05:10 Red flags: appetite changes, sleep problems, loss of interest in play  
06:52 Why parents are the best experts on their kids’ behavior  
08:26 The COAL approach: Curiosity, Observation, Acceptance, Loving Guidance  
10:48 COVID-19’s impact on children’s emotional health  
12:57 Balancing isolation with safe peer connection  
15:18 Where to seek help: pediatricians, school counselors, child therapists  
16:55 Why parents need their own support when caring for a depressed child  
20:09 Stigma, guilt, and why depression isn’t anyone’s fault  
22:32 Why screenings and early intervention matter  
26:22 The risks of untreated childhood depression and accidental self-harm  
29:30 Suicide prevention and children’s limited understanding of death  
31:10 Depression’s impact on school performance and memory  
33:15 Final thoughts and trusted resources for families  

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