Depression and anxiety in children and teens

Summary

• Anxiety and depression are common in young people, and they often look different than in adults.
• Watch for changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, school and friendships.
• A psychologist can help your child build skills, and guide you on how to support them.

It is frightening to sense something is wrong with your child and not know what. The tricky part is that in children and teens, anxiety and depression often wear a disguise. Instead of saying they feel sad or worried, a young person might get irritable, clingy or withdrawn, or complain of headaches and tummy aches with no clear cause.

If you are worried about your child's safety: please act now. Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) and Lifeline 13 11 14 are available any time. In an emergency, call 000. You will not make things worse by asking.

Signs worth noticing

You know your child best, so trust changes from their normal. Look for ongoing irritability or tearfulness, pulling away from friends and activities, trouble sleeping or eating, and a drop at school. Physical complaints with no medical cause can be part of it too.

How therapy helps young people

Therapy for children is not a smaller version of adult therapy. With younger kids it often uses play and a lot of parent guidance. With teens it looks more like real conversation and practical skills. Either way, a psychologist helps your child understand their feelings and feel less alone, and coaches you on how to respond at home.

Trust your instincts

If something feels off, it is worth a conversation, with your child, your GP, or a psychologist. You do not need to be certain, and you do not need to wait for things to get severe. See our guide to depression and anxiety for more on how therapy works.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal moodiness or something more?

Look for changes that last for weeks and affect school, friendships or home life. Ongoing withdrawal, irritability or physical complaints can all be signs worth checking.

Will my child have to talk to a stranger alone?

Not necessarily, especially with younger children, where parents are closely involved. Teens often value some private space. The psychologist will explain the approach.

What can I do at home?

Validating feelings, keeping steady routines, staying connected and modelling calm all help. A psychologist can tailor strategies to your child.

Is online therapy suitable for children?

For many young people, yes. Your psychologist will advise if in-person would suit your child better.

Important: This is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. If you are worried about your child, speak with your GP or a registered psychologist. In a crisis, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000.