Childhood Depression: Warning Signs and When to Seek Help

Depression doesn’t just affect adults—it can begin in childhood, often going unnoticed until years later. In this episode, Sally looks back at her own childhood and shares how her early signs of depression were overlooked and misunderstood. From excessive sleeping to dark writing and persistent sadness, Sally’s story highlights why recognizing and responding to childhood depression is crucial.

Listeners will learn what warning signs to watch for, why stigma often delays support, and how families, schools, and communities can intervene earlier to change the trajectory of a child’s life.

This conversation is a reminder to parents, educators, and caregivers: children often lack the words to describe what they’re feeling, but their behaviors, writings, and silences may be speaking for them.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why childhood depression often goes unnoticed
• Key symptoms of depression in children (sleep changes, isolation, dark writing, loss of joy)
• The role of grief and family dynamics in worsening depression
• How stigma and lack of awareness delay intervention
• The life-changing difference of medication and therapy later in life
• Why parents, teachers, and mentors must tune in and take action
• Sally’s message of hope: with awareness and support, children today don’t have to suffer in silence

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Why childhood depression matters
 01:00 - Sally’s story: looking back at her 10-year-old self
 02:15 - Early symptoms: excessive sleeping, sadness, and withdrawal
 03:25 - The impact of grief after losing her grandmother
 04:10 - Dark poetry as a cry for help
 05:10 - Teacher concern that went unaddressed at home
 06:05 - A childhood letter that revealed hidden depression
 07:30 - Growing up without mental health support
 08:40 - First diagnosis and antidepressant experience in adulthood
 10:05 - The struggle with stopping and restarting medications
 12:20 - Building a successful career while managing depression
 13:20 - How depression still “feels like wearing a rain-soaked coat”
 14:30 - The importance of recognizing childhood depression today
 15:40 - Ending stigma and demanding support for kids
 16:50 - Final reflections: helping children get help sooner

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/