If you are affected by the closures of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, learn how we can help.
Statement on Steward hospital closures
If you are affected by the closures of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, learn how we can help.
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can take the joy from a child's life. It is normal for a child to be moody or sad from time to time. You can expect these feelings after the death of a pet or a move to a new city. But if these feelings last more than two weeks, they may be a sign of depression.
Depression can range from mild to severe. In its most severe form, depression can cause a child to lose hope and want to die.
Even a young child can have depression that needs treatment to improve.
A child or teen may be depressed if they:
A child or teen who is depressed may also:
The symptoms of depression are often overlooked at first. Depression may not look the same in a child or teen as in an adult. Also, it can be hard to tell the difference between depression and normal moodiness.
Treatment in children and teens usually includes:
A child with severe depression may need to be treated in the hospital. In some cases, the doctor may recommend electroconvulsive therapy for an older child or teen who has severe depression or doesn't respond to other treatment.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child has any problems.
A mental health condition can make it harder for your child to manage their feelings and behaviors. They may struggle with things like doing schoolwork, making friends, or getting along with their siblings. This can be very stressful for your child and for you. But there are some things you can do to help.
Look for a counselor that your child feels safe with and trusts. You can ask your child's doctor for a referral.
Your child's doctor or counselor may be able to recommend books, podcasts, and websites. You could find out about:
Your child's counselor will likely want to help. This can include:
Here are some things you can do:
Encourage good self-care like getting enough sleep, eating a variety of healthy foods, and being active. Work on healthy ways to manage feelings, like deep breathing, playing with a pet, or doing a hobby. Try to set an example by practicing these things yourself. To learn more, work with your child's counselor or take parenting classes.
Find a counselor for yourself if you need support. You can ask your doctor or your child's counselor for a referral. Make time for yourself. And do things that you enjoy, such as a favorite activity or spending time with a close friend.
Examples include support groups, treatment centers, and local crisis hotlines. To find resources:
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Harvard Pilgrim has a large and growing network of behavioral health providers who offer expertise across dozens of behavioral health care specialties. Search our online directory to find a provider near you.
Enjoy the convenience of virtual mental health visits with Doctor On Demand. Their helpful and caring therapists and prescribers come from a wide range of backgrounds and specialties, so you can find a provider who’s the right fit for you.
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