Depression is on the rise in kids—but the signs are hard to recognize

Depression is actually quite treatable through psychosocial therapies, Bancroft says, though it is something most patients will struggle with their whole lives. Parental involvement is key. He says many kids who are treated for depression will start with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps patients challenge “cognitive distortions,” those hateful thoughts that kids like Nicholas have, telling them they’re not good enough, smart enough or likeable enough. Using CBT also helps kids develop effective communication and problem-solving skills, which can empower them to feel less helpless and hopeless.

“When we offer care here [at] for kids this age, the parent and child arrive together,” says Bancroft. “We may start a session together briefly, sort of touch base on how the week has been, and then the child has their own curriculum. The parent is informed about it so they understand it well, and then we end the session by coming back together for some conjoined work.” Medication is less commonly used as a treatment for kids with depression, but it is sometimes prescribed if other approaches have been unsuccessful.

Suzi has learned how to better parent a kid with depression, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In grade six, after being diagnosed with ADD and facing bullying at school, Nicholas regressed. Suzi pulled him out of school and began home-schooling him. Today he’s 13, doing online classes and facing further challenges. After exhausting the programs he was receiving treatment through, he’s waiting for a new psychologist.