Low mood and depression - advice for parents and carers

The list of symptoms below are common in people experiencing a period of low mood or depression. However, we will all experience some of these at different points in our lives. Depression impacts how we feel, what we think, and what we do. Pay attention to how frequently a child or young person has been experiencing these, and over how long a period of time.

• being more tearful, upset or irritable
• changes in sleep pattern - sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
• changes in appetite - excessive comfort eating or appearing disinterested in food
• lack of energy or excessive tiredness
• regular complaints of feeling unwell
• feeling hopeless, or not looking forward to the future
• having difficulty concentrating on school work
• losing interest in activities they used to like
• becoming socially withdrawn
• losing interest in how they look
• lowered confidence and sense of self-worth.

Occasionally young people will engage in deliberate self-harm in response to the way they are feeling. If your child is self harming, or expressing suicidal thoughts, please speak to your GP. If you think they are at imminent risk of harm, please contact your GP out of hours, or dial 111 for advice or attend your local A&E. Please check the self-harm section for further advice.

Keep communicating. Sometimes teenagers find it easier to talk when side by side, or when out and about together, as this removes the pressure to open up immediately.

Try and normalise the young person’s feelings, let them know it is ok to feel sad or down from time to time. This will be especially true if their health condition has been difficult to manage, they have been struggling with adjustment to an illness or injury, there have been difficulties in their family or friendship groups, or increased stress at school.

Reassure them that you are there for them, and always willing to listen.

Encourage them to keep up with friends and social activities, or hobbies and sports that they previously enjoyed.

If you are still worried, please discuss with your child’s GP or hospital consultant regarding the best next steps. This might include a referral to the Paediatric Psychology Service based at the RHC, or to your local CAMHS.