Understanding Anxiety and Depression: Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Help

In so many ways, mental health is as important as general physical health. Children are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues because of pressures at school, bullying, social media, and family life. As a parent, it’s crucial that you take your child’s mental health challenges seriously. Get help recognizing symptoms and getting treatment for anxiety and depression with Dr. Carol Calabrese, Dr. Inna Meskin, Dr. Alexis Capozzoli, Renee Thomas, APN, and Joe Larena, APN at Skylands Pediatrics in Sparta, NJ.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

The parents and family are the most likely to first recognize the signs of anxiety and depression. They are mental health disorders that have similar symptoms, the most common being:

• Constant feelings of worry or fear.
• Inability to concentrate or focus.
• Speaking negatively about themselves.
• Negative thoughts about the past, present, and future.
• Feelings of hopelessness and low self-worth.
• Loss of appetite and sleep.
• Self-injury or suicidal ideation.

Treatments for Anxiety and Depression in Children

As a parent, it’s important to recognize that you can’t do everything alone. Seek help from a Sparta, NJ, pediatrician if you believe your child has issues with anxiety and depression. These treatments may help:

• Individual therapy is referred by the child’s pediatrician (options include cognitive behavioral therapy, social effectiveness therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy).
• Family therapy.
• Pediatric antidepressant medications.
• Review the child’s diet and how it could affect mood, feelings, and energy.

Managing Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

In addition to treatments prescribed by your Sparta, NJ, pediatrician, modifying your child’s routine, diet, and environment can help with anxiety and depression. Here are more tips for how to ease the symptoms:

• Encourage your child to spend more time in nature, whether walking in the park or writing in a journal outside. Participate in those activities with them when you can.
• Spend more quality time with your children regularly to show them they are not alone and learn more about their thoughts, issues, and goals.
• Challenge your child to limit or eliminate access to social media and internet apps.
• Reduce sugar and processed foods in your child’s diet, as it can affect anxiety symptoms.
• If your child’s depression or anxiety is due to grieving a loved one, consider attending a youth grief support group.

Addressing Your Child’s Mental Health

With the support of Dr. Carol Calabrese, Dr. Calabrese, Dr. Meskin, Dr. Capozzoli, Renee Thomas, APN, and Joe Larena, APN at Skyland Pediatrics in Sparta, NJ, you can get your child help with anxiety and depression. Call (973) 729-2197 today for an appointment.