26 Depression Resources for Kids, Teens, and Parents
It’s hard to know what to do when your child is feeling depressed — how to find out what’s going on, where to turn, who to go to for help. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, wanting to support them but not quite sure how.
Below are some resources that may be helpful to kids and teens experiencing depression and their parents.
Associations
Anxiety and Depression Association of America — Anxiety and Depression in Children
Depression and Bipolar Association of America
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Depression Resource Center
Organizations
Many of these organizations are dedicated to the transforming the lives of children and teens living with depression, providing education, guides, and support.
Child Mind Institute — Depression: Helpful guides, Ask An Expert, and Stories of How Kids and Teens Coped with Depression
National Institute of Mental Health — Teen Depression
Balanced Mind Parent Network: Information for parents raising children with mood disorders to answers, support, and stability
HealthLink BC - Depression in Children and Teens
The Whole Child: Great guides which are developmentally categorized by age group
Teen Mental Health.org - Depression
The Jed Foundation: accessible resources to support mental health and reduce stigma in teens and young adults. started by parents who lost their youngest son Jed to suicide.
Families for Depression Awareness
Research Studies and Clinical Trials
NIMH Research Studies (Enrolling Nationally): Studies to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illness
Hotlines and Crisis Resources
If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255: Provides 24/7 free and confidential support
National Safe Place: Provides access to immediate help and supportive resources for young people in crisis through a network of qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses
Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386: Crisis Intervention and suicide prevention for LGBT youth
PRS CrisisLink Hotline and Textline : 703-527-4077 or Text "CONNECT" to 855-11: Free confidential line open 24/7 serving Northern Virginia and Washington DC, staffed with crisis line workers who care and can connect you to referrals
Books
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman, Joan Declaire
How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
How to Talk so Teens Will Listen and Listen so Teens Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When The World Overwhelms Themby Elaine Aron
Helpful Articles
Can Preschoolers Be Depressed? (NY Times)
A Teenager’s Guide to Depression by HelpGuide.org
What resources have you found helpful for your child or teen? If you have any other resources that might be helpful for others, let us know in the comments below!
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