Signs of depression or anxiety in children
Knowing how to talk about mental health, or recognising the signs that you might be struggling, can be really hard. Signs of depression or anxiety in children and young people can sometimes look like normal behaviour, particularly in teenagers who can keep their feelings to themselves.
It’s also natural for children or young people to feel stressed or anxious about things like exams or moving to a new school. But while these experiences can be very difficult, 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 you and if you’ve noticed signs that you have been behaving differently recently.
Please see below for further support that is provided by CAMHS on the following topics:
- Anger and behavioural difficulties
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression or low mood
- Eating difficulties
- Gender identity
- Hearing voices
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Are you worried?
If you're concerned, you can contact us on 020 8379 5555 (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday, 9am to 4.45pm). Out of office hours, call 020 8379 1000 (select option 2 and you will be transferred to an advisor). You can also email at childrensmash@enfield.gov.uk.
Helpful resources
Anna Freud Centre created an evidence-based framework so that you can decide on your own approach to mental health and wellbeing in 5 simple steps. Their 5 steps framework is developed by mental health experts and teachers, for teachers.
Free psychological first aid training - Public Health England are offering free online training for practitioners and families to support children and young people’s mental health during emergencies and crisis situations.
Suicide awareness - Loss and bereavement are complex subjects, but death by suicide is an aspect that challenges us all to the core. In this unprecedented time, staying connected has never been more important to keeping us safe and in preventing people from taking their own lives.