Depression in children is becoming increasingly common, now affecting more than 20 percent of kids.

A sad child isn’t necessarily depressed.

Talk with your child’s doctor or a mental health professional.

sad girl looking at camera

Usually, childhood depression responds well to therapy or a combination of therapy and medication.

Was this article helpful?

We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing.

Article image

Learn more about oureditorial and medical review policies.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7024e1.htmOpens a new window[Accessed June 2022]

CDC.

Article image

Mental health surveillance among children United States, 2013-2019.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/su/su7102a1.htm?s_cid=su7102a1_wOpens a new window[Accessed June 2022]

FDA.

BabyCenter’s Love It award picks for Best baby cereals

Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/suicidality-children-and-adolescents-being-treated-antidepressant-medicationsOpens a new window[Accessed June 2022]

Korczak DJ et al.

Health insurance and mental health services.https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/health-insuranceOpens a new window[Accessed June 2022]

NIH.

Award winners for BabyCenter’s Love Its Best baby shampoo and wash

National Institute of Mental Health.https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depressionOpens a new window[Accessed June 2022]

Racine N et al.

Global prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents during COVID-19.

Prospective associations of co-rumination with friendship and emotional adjustment: Considering the socioemotional trade-offs of co-rumination.

Long-sleeve women’s shirts and pants hanging neatly in a closet

child lost in thoughts

phone with BabyCenter app

Karen Miles