Factors like summer seasonal depression, lack of structure and socializing, irregular sleep schedules and plain old FOMO can cause kids and teens to display signs of depression during the summer months.
Dr. Paul A. Croarkin, Professor of Psychology at Mayo Clinic College of Science and Medicine and the medical editor of the new My Life Beyond Depression, one in a series of Mayo’s My Life Beyond books, says the signs of depression aren’t always the same for children as they are for adults.
BIG BOOK OF EDUCATION ISSUE 2023
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“Depression may show up differently in kids or teens, compared with adults. It may lead to behavioral outbursts, irritability, negative feelings or thoughts about themselves, and self-harm, such as cutting,” says Dr. Croarkin. Everyone’s mood has highs and lows. But it becomes a concern when it starts to interfere with overall functioning.
Dr. Croarkin and his patient, the student Gifty, offer tips for identifying and dealing with summertime sadness.
“Help is available. Depression is a mental illness, and it can get better with treatment. Research shows that combining therapy and medication typically gives the best results,” Dr. Croarkin says. “To get the most help from therapy, find a therapist you feel comfortable and safe with. Therapy might include psychotherapy, which involves meeting with a licensed mental health provider for structured sessions to learn strategies to address depression symptoms.”