Depression: Overview

What is depression?

Depression is an illness that involves a person feeling deep sadness or a lack of interest in activities that they previously enjoyed.

Every child and teen experiences sadness at some point in their life. Often this is a result of common stressors such as a big change, disappointment or the loss of a loved one.

Depression differs from this type of sadness because it:

• lasts longer (from weeks to months)
• interferes with everyday functioning.

Depression also affects a person’s sleep, concentration and appetite and can also lead to feelings of guilt, hopelessness, worthlessness and, in severe cases, suicide.

What causes depression?

A number of risk factors contribute to depression.

Biological factors

Biological factors include our genes, as depression is more likely when there is a history of it in the family. After puberty, it is also more common in girls than boys.

Psychological factors

Psychological factors include how a person tends to respond to stress. Someone who experiences more negative emotions in response to a stressor is more likely to experience depression.

Social factors

Social factors include various stressors in a child’s or teen’s environment, such as the loss of a parent or caregiver, divorce, bullying, poverty, difficulties at school and abuse or neglect.

How common is depression in children and teens?

Currently, about 2 per cent of children and 8 per cent of teens in Canada experience depression.

Previous research suggested that people often experienced their first episode of depression in their mid-20s. However, more recent research suggests that most adults with depression actually experience their first symptoms of depression as children and teens.

Does depression occur with other conditions?

Depression commonly occurs with other conditions, especially anxiety disorders. It can also occur with:

• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• attention deficit hyperactivity d​isorder (ADHD)
• eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder
• substance use disorders
• oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder​
• learning disorders

How to help your child if they seem depressed

• First, talk to your child about their feelings and any stressors that might be contributing. Be sure to listen and offer support.
• Reassure your child and help them figure out how to deal with any stressors.
• Encourage your child to return to the activities they previously enjoyed, and allow them to choose which ones to start with.
• If your child has missed school, encourage them to return and address any possible stressors, such as bullying.
• When your child shows they are making an effort to take part, reward them with praise.

When to see a doctor for your child’s depression

See a doctor if:

• your child’s low mood or irritability prevents them from going to school, spending time with friends, playing sports, pursuing hobbies or doing other everyday activities
• your child expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• you have (or suspect you have) depression or another mental health condition and it is preventing you from offering enough help to your child on your own
  

Your doctor can diagnose depression, if appropriate, based on typical signs and symptoms.

If your child has voiced thoughts of suicide with a plan, protect your child by going with them to your nearest emergency department.

Further information

For more information on depression, please see the following pages:

Depression: Signs and symptoms

Depression: Treatment with medications

Depression: Treatment with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes

Virtual care services for children:

Boomerang Health was opened by SickKids to provide communities in Ontario with greater access to community-based services for children and adolescents. For more information on virtual care services in Ontario to support depression, visit Boomerang Health powered by SickKids.