Does your child or teen seem sad or irritable more than they should? Are you concerned about your child’s mood and not sure what to do?
Anyone can experience depression – including children and teenagers. If your child is showing signs of depression, we can help him or her and your entire family through these challenges. Mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder, can profoundly impact children and adolescents.
Our team of expert therapists at the Child and Family Solutions Center utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidenced based approach that has proven effective in managing these challenges, as one of our primary treatments. We work with the child or teen and the parent to gain an understanding of what is happening and how to best help.
How can I tell if my child’s sadness is really depression?
Everyone gets sad at one time or another. If your child or teen suffers from sadness or irritability that seems persistent or shows many of the symptoms listed above, talking with a professional can help you determine if further attention is needed. When it comes to addressing depression and mood challenges in Metropolitan Detroit, the Child and Family Solutions Center has a team of expert therapists who are available for your family.
If you are ready to seek get help or just feel unsure, call us. Our therapists are ready to work with you to figure out the best way to help. Call us today at 248-851-5437 or text 248-871-7622 to get started. We offer a free and confidential phone consultation.
Take a look at patterns of behavior and what you are noticing in your child over time. If a loss of interest in normally beloved activities, increased irritability, significant changes to their physical routines, and/or low self-esteem, among other more serious factors, it may be time to seek support for depression.
Our therapists do not prescribe medication, but they partner with prescribers in the area and can offer you appropriate referrals. Our therapists encourage you to be open with them about seeking medication as well so that they can coordinate care with you or your child’s psychiatric provider.
If your child or teen is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, it is important to take them seriously. Stay calm, listen without judgment, and don’t be afraid to ask directly about what they are thinking or feeling. Talking openly about suicide can help your child feel supported and less alone.
If you believe your child is in immediate danger, has a plan or intent to harm themselves, or cannot remain safe, do not leave them alone. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you have concerns about your child’s safety, take steps to secure medications, firearms, and other items that could potentially be used for self-harm.
If there is not an immediate safety concern, contact our intake team. We can often arrange for your child to be seen by one of our experienced therapists within 24–48 hours for assessment and support.
CFSC is not an emergency or crisis-response service. If you are unsure whether your child can remain safe, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.
Yes, outpatient therapy can certainly help teens with self-harm behaviors. Give us a call and we will offer you a fast intake appointment with a therapist experienced in working with self-harm. It is very important to get an initial assessment for any safety risks, and from there our therapist can walk you through treatment goals for self-harm that will address the client’s physiological, psychological, and social needs. If more intensive treatment is necessary for your child, our team will provide appropriate referrals.