Anxiety & Depression
Balance Your Emotions
Anxiety disorder and depression are mental health problems that affect your child's ability to cope with stress and how they feel about themselves, others, and the world. While some degree of worry and sadness is a normal part of growth and development, some children feel extreme degrees of these emotions.
Children with severe anxiety have fear, worry, and panic that impacts their daily life and prevents them from coping well in school, relationships, and life in general. Children and teens with depression struggle with abnormal levels of sadness and worry that they have difficulty controlling.
While these conditions aren't the same, there is a strong correlation between the two. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), nearly half of all children with an anxiety disorder also suffer from depression and vice-versa.
When your child struggles with anxiety and depression, it could place them at a higher risk for suicidal ideations, self-harming behaviors, difficulty in school, and problems relating to others.
The pediatric specialists at the Children’s Clinic in Billings, Montana, offer compassionate prevention, diagnosis, and integrative treatment for anxiety and depression. If your child exhibits signs of anxious or depressive behavior, call or request an appointment at the West End or downtown office today.
Anxiety and Depression Q&A
If you are concerned that your child has anxiety or depression, call or request an appointment online with the Children's Clinic today.
What are the symptoms of anxiety and depression?
Your child may have anxiety or depression if their worry, fear, or apathy causes:
- Changes in behavior
- Avoidance of hobbies or things they typically enjoy
- Avoidance of people or social interactions
- Poor school performance or difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Substance abuse or other risky behaviors
- Chronic fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches
- Overeating or not eating
- Crying frequently or inability to cope
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Children with severe anxiety and depression are at significant risk for suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and more. It is important to recognize signs of anxiety and depression in children and teens so they can get treatment and support as early as possible.
What are the treatments for anxiety and depression?
The team at the Children's Clinic doesn't just see kids with mental health challenges; it specializes in helping kids overcome obstacles. The team screens for signs of anxiety and depression utilizing screening tools, including a nine-question survey called the PHQ-9 and a seven-question survey called GAD-7.
If your child has anxiety and depression, the team develops a personalized, integrated treatment plan that may include:
- Behavioral health therapies
- Medications
- Nutritional support
- Psychiatric referrals
- Family support and education
The teen wellness experts at the Children's Clinic commit to helping protect and improve your child's mental health and strive for total wellness throughout their childhood.