Depression and Anxiety

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Signs of depression or anxiety in children can sometimes look like normal behaviour, particularly in teenagers who might keep their feelings to themselves. So, knowing how to talk to your child about their mental health is important.

Many children or young people will feel stressed or anxious about things like exams or moving to a new

school. But while these experiences can be challenging, they’re different from longer-term depression or

anxiety, which affect how a child or young person feels every day.It can help to think about what’s normal

for your child and if you’ve noticed signs that they’ve been behaving differently.

Signs of depression in children can include:

ongoing low mood or lack of motivation
not enjoying things they used to like doing
becoming withdrawn and spending less time with friends and family
experiencing low self-esteem or feeling like they are ‘worthless’
feeling tearful or upset regularly
changes in eating or sleeping habits.

Signs of anxiety in children can include:

becoming socially withdrawn and avoiding spending time with friends or family
feeling nervous or 'on edge' a lot of the time
having panic attacks
feeling tearful, upset or angry
having trouble sleeping
changes in eating habits.

Sometimes, parents feel like their child’s mental health problem is their fault. Or they want to know exactly why their child is struggling. This is understandable, but the most important thing is to reassure your child and not judge them for how they’re feeling.

You can help a child who’s struggling by:

letting them know you’re there for them and you're on their side
talking to them over text or on the phone if they don’t feel able to talk in person
being patient and staying calm and approachable, even if their behaviour upsets you
recognising that their feelings are valid and letting them know it’s OK for them to be honest about what they're feeling
thinking of healthy ways to cope. You could try things like yoga, breathing exercises or mindfulness together
encouraging them to talk to their GP, someone at their school or Childline. Especially if they’re finding it hard to talk at home.
taking care of yourself and getting support if you need to. Try not to blame yourself for what’s happening, and stay hopeful about your child’s recovery.

Getting mental health support for your child

Supporting a child with a mental health problem like depression or anxiety can be hard, and it’s important for a young person to speak to their GP about professional help if they’re struggling. This should be the first step you take if you’re worried a child may have a mental health problem. Sometimes, a GP will prescribe medication to help a child or young person with depression or anxiety symptoms.

Your child may want to speak to their GP on their own, or they may want you to be there with them. You should support their decision. Sometimes, young people find it easier to talk about their feelings with someone they don’t know.

Young Minds has advice for parents about supporting children with a range of mental health problems.

The Mix offers advice on a range of topics for young people under 25. They have a 24-hour crisis messenger for young people who need help right away.

Kooth offers online support with qualified practitioners.

Young Devon offers counselling and wellbeing services.

NSPCC (2026) Supporting a child with depression or anxiety. Available at: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/depression-anxiety-mental-health/ (Accessed: 13 March 2026).