Is My Child Depressed?

Signs Parents Often Miss – Expert Help at Lyte Psychiatry | Best Adult & Adolescent Therapists and Psychiatrists Near You in Dallas & Arlington, TX

Children and teens go through emotional ups and downs — but how can you tell when it’s something more serious? As a parent, it's natural to wonder: "Is my child just going through a phase, or could they be depressed?"

At Lyte Psychiatry, we specialize in identifying and treating child and adolescent mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Located in Dallas and Arlington, TX, we provide affordable therapy and psychiatric care for young people and their families — with compassion, expertise, and clarity.

What Is Childhood and Adolescent Depression?

Depression isn’t just “feeling sad” — and in children and teens, it often doesn’t look like sadness at all. It can show up in subtle behaviors, irritability, or even physical symptoms. Without proper support, depression can interfere with a child’s development, relationships, school performance, and self-esteem.

Common Signs of Depression Parents Often Miss

Many signs of depression in young people go unnoticed or are mistaken for attitude, laziness, or normal growing pains. Here are symptoms to watch for:

1. Irritability and Anger: Kids with depression often express distress through mood swings, frustration, or lashing out, rather than sadness.

2. Withdrawal from Friends or Activities: If your child has lost interest in things they used to enjoy — sports, hobbies, or time with friends — it may signal more than just a bad week.

3. Changes in Sleep Patterns: Look for oversleeping, insomnia, or staying up all night. Sleep disruptions are a major red flag for depression.

4. Drop in Academic Performance: A sudden drop in grades, missing assignments, or difficulty concentrating can stem from emotional distress, not laziness.

5. Physical Complaints With No Clear Cause: Headaches, stomachaches, or chronic fatigue that don’t respond to treatment may be somatic symptoms of depression.

6. Negative Self-Talk or Hopelessness: Expressions like “I’m worthless,” “No one cares about me,” or “What’s the point?” should never be ignored — even if said jokingly.

Why Depression Can Be Hard to Spot in Kids?

Young people often lack the words or emotional awareness to explain what they're feeling. Some may mask their depression with humor, perfectionism, defiance, or silence. That's why professional evaluation is so important.

Schedule a Consultation for Your Child at Lyte Psychiatry (Affordable Therapist and Psychiatrist, Best Adults and Adolescents Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You)

When it comes to depression, early intervention makes a lasting difference. If you’ve been concerned about your child’s mood, behavior, or school performance, don’t wait for things to get worse. Getting help now can prevent long-term emotional struggles and even save lives.

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Call us if you have questions at 469-733-0848

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I know if it’s depression or just teen angst?

A: Teenagers often go through mood swings, but if symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, it may be depression.

Q: Can kids really benefit from therapy?

A: Yes! Therapy helps children and teens express themselves, process emotions, and develop coping strategies. Early therapy leads to long-term resilience.

Q: Will my child need medication?

A: Not always. Some children improve with therapy alone, while others benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. We’ll guide you through what’s best.

Q: Is this just a phase? Will they grow out of it?

A: Depression isn’t something to "wait out." Left untreated, it can worsen. With timely care, most children recover and thrive.

Q: What if my child refuses to talk or go to therapy?

A: We specialize in engaging reluctant or anxious children. Building trust is part of our approach, and parents are included in the process to support progress.