Recognizing and Addressing Childhood Depression

Knowing what to do when your child is struggling with their mental health can be overwhelming. This episode breaks down the signs of childhood depression and offers practical advice for parents.Recognizing Symptoms: Children may not always express their feelings verbally, in this episode we walk you through some of the signs to look for, both physical and behavioural, and how these symptoms differ between young children and teens.Starting the Conversation: Approaching your child about their mental health can be tricky. We offer age-appropriate strategies to help you talk openly, ask the right questions, and encourage emotional expression.How to Support Your Child: We share ways parents can offer ongoing support for their child’s mental health.When to Seek Professional Help: We highlight when it’s time to reach out for professional support and what types of therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are often recommended for childhood depression. Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide a variety of therapies, including family-based approaches, to help children and their families navigate depression. "Living Fully" is not a substitute or alternative for professional care or treatment. Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta provide effective counselling for anyone in Alberta with no wait list and no financial barriers.For help across Canada and the United States, call 211. If you are outside Canada and the U.S., seek help from your general medical practitioner.