Depression in Children and Adolescents
Episode Description
Did you know that depression occurs in about 15% of children? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, our host Tim Unsinn talks with Psychiatrist Dr. Wayne Martinsen about depression in kids and adolescents, including signs of depression to look out for and how to know when to reach out to a care provider. They also touch on how to know whether your child’s sadness is caused by depression or other external factors and what you can do to try and prevent depression in your child.What to Expect
- Signs of depression in children versus adolescents
- How to help a child with depression
Resources: Learn More
- “How to Help Your Child With Depression,” by Lucas Mitzel, LCSW
- “Childhood Depression: What Parents Need to Know,” kidshealth.org
Things to Think About
- Talking with your child about suicide will not make them more likely to attempt it.
- Individual or family therapy can be helpful for children suffering from depression.
About the Hosts
Dr. Martinsen enjoys working with a wide range of ages and diagnoses. His practice is largely focused on complex clients with multiple health challenges. He diagnoses psychiatric and behavioral health conditions, makes recommendations for treatment, and prescribes/manages medications for clients of all ages. Much of his work focuses on maximizing health, treating illness, and promoting healthy longevity through lifestyle medicine.
Transcript
Depression in Children and Adolescents
Featuring Dr. Wayne Martinsen, Psychiatrist, Dakota Family Services
Tim Unsinn:
Welcome to Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services, an outpatient Behavioral health Clinic, located in Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo, North Dakota. In this podcast, I will talk with our experts about understanding and nurturing our mental health and wellness. I'm your host, Tim Unsinn. Join me each episode as we explore the intricacies of our minds, decrease the stigma of mental illness, learn practical tips for managing our mental health and wellbeing, and recognize when it's time to ask for help. Join me now to mind your mind. Welcome to this episode of Mind Your Mind. I'll be talking with Dr. Wayne Martinsen. Dr. Martinsen is the medical director and psychiatrist in Fargo and Minot. Dr. Martinsen diagnoses psychiatric and behavioral health conditions, makes treatment recommendations, and provides medication management for clients of all ages. It's always great to have you on mind your mind, and our topic today is depression in children and adolescents. However, before we get to the topic, I always ask that first question, and that is, why do you do what you do?
Wayne Martinsen:
Mostly because I really like working with people. I've worked with people now over 40 years, even before I went to medical school as a therapist and a social worker. And I just love the response. I love the connection. I like the agency and the people I work with
Tim Unsinn:
Think it's all about helping people. It comes through loud and clear. Our topic now is depression in children and adolescents. How common is depression in children?
Wayne Martinsen:
It happens in about 15% of children. It's been much higher since the pandemic, Tim.
Tim Unsinn:
That seems like the pandemic has done a lot to everybody's mental health, if you will. So now how serious is depression in kids?
Wayne Martinsen:
Depression can run from relatively mild where somebody is, well, we used to call dystonic and just chronically it's harder for them to be happy, harder for them to enjoy things. Maybe they don't go out or play as much. They're not as active, they're not as engaged with their peers all the way to suicidal children, as well as adolescents can become suicidal. And although children oftentimes won't act on that, adolescents will, children will, however, think about wishing that they were dead when they become depressed.
Tim Unsinn:
Now, as we talk about depression in kids, now as a parent, I'm looking at my child. Maybe kids don't know they're depressed. How do I, as a parent, how can I identify, or what are, what are some of the things I need to look for as a parent?
Wayne Martinsen:
It's a good point because children don't walk around and say to their parents, I'm depressed. In fact, depression tends to come on quite slowly and they feel more miserable inside. What parents often see is a child who's just more irritable, more owly, their sleep tends to be worse. They have difficulty especially falling asleep. They have, they're more antagonistic about doing homework or other chores. They may actually have more temper tantrums. They're less likely to want to play with children. They're less likely to want to do active activities. They're also less likely to be happy. Now, a child with depression can be happy if it's a big enough event. So if they're going out on some special occasion, they're gonna be happy about that. But day-to-day, these are children who don't enjoy the same level of things that they once did. Their grades can also fall because attention and concentration tends to decrease. Tim, when children get depressed.
Tim Unsinn:
As a parent, I'm thinking about the different, the different things. Okay, so kids, as they change age, sometimes those things happen. So as a parent, when do I become concerned or reach out for help when my child is going through some of those changes? When do I think it could be depression or is it just an age thing? When do I reach out for help?
Wayne Martinsen:
Well, what you look at is diagnostically, you look for at least a two week period, and you'd wanna look for a two week period of changes in mood, behavior, sleep, where there isn't a really good explanation. So if somebody, they loved a grandparent had died, that gives you a reason that they would be down or negative. But if there's no clear reason and you see them consistently being different than they once had been, it'd be time to talk with them, to ask them the questions, asking them a question about what their mood is like, what they're feeling, how they, how they feel about their friends, is not going to put bad ideas into their head. Children as young as six or seven will talk about feeling like they wish they were dead sometimes, and asking them that question is not going to put the idea into their head if it's not already there.
Tim Unsinn:
Well, I think growing up, if my favorite three Stooges episode wasn't on, I felt like I should be dead. But that's not what we're really talking about. So as a parent, what are the treatment approaches used for kids?
Wayne Martinsen:
There's really quite a wide variety of treatment approaches, all the way from lifestyle changes. So just making sure that they get enough activity, making sure that they're eating a healthy diet, making sure that they're connecting with friends. Those things really matter, especially as we've gone through the pandemic recently where kids were really disconnected from the rhythms of their life, like going to school, connecting to their teacher, connecting to grandparents, connecting to peers. Therapy is probably the treatment of choice, especially for children in grade school age children. And it's as effective as medication and it works better for the children who are more verbal, who are more able to express their emotions and talk about things. There's also family therapy approaches where the therapist works with the family, with the parents to help the child experience life differently. But there are also medications. There are a number of medications that are FDA approved for depression down to age six or seven.
Tim Unsinn:
Alright. And as we talk about depression, we talk about the pandemic and different things, and it seems like there's not a new normal. There is a new normal, and it isn't what we used to be experienced, if you will. So as a parent, and you talked about this a little while ago, difference between kids and adolescents and those red flags, those things we should be looking for. Maybe in a child, a child, it's a little bit different. Adolescent may be more apt to act on what they're saying. So what are those red flags that we should look for?
Wayne Martinsen:
There you look for increased anger, problems with sleep, just a chronic owliness, hypersensitivity. Adolescents tend to be very sensitive to the things that their friends, their teacher, their parents says, but if they're not recovering from that, so they have a conflict with a peer, a conflict with somebody they're dating, and then days later they're still really withdrawn or they hold a grudge to parents or others that they didn't use to hold a grudge to. If they are making statements of hopelessness, those are all things that you would really want to look at. Basically a change that happens for at least two weeks over time from who they were before.
Tim Unsinn:
Our guest on Mind your Mind is Dr. Wayne Martinsen and Dr. Martinsen, as you've been talking about a lot of different things, the one thing that pops into my head during this whole conversation is, as a parent, am I listening? Am I paying attention to my child? Am I, am I looking for signs and things like that? Because, and I don't want to sound judgmental, but it seems like today we're busy. We're very, very busy, and I think it's really important as parents to really pay attention to what our kids are going through, especially considering the last three years.
Wayne Martinsen:
Absolutely. And when you look at who's more likely to get depressed, it's the children and families that are already stressed. So the the single parent family where the parent is stretched thin already, maybe has financial struggles, needs to work two different jobs, doesn't have the kind of connection or time that children need it's important to either carve that out or bring in others who can, like a grandparent and aunt and uncle, somebody that's trusted, a mentor to have that time with a child.
Tim Unsinn:
I think that's a great point too, if you are a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, a grandparent just paying attention to our family. You know? Absolutely. And be the person there that can help them. Awesome. Great stuff, great information. I always, always have to go back and dissect more of this information because you just give us a wealth of information. Dr. Martinsen, thank you for being on Mind Your Mind. Before we go though, I always have that final question. What do you do personally to mind your mind?
Wayne Martinsen:
What I have taken up lately is I have a have an upcoming talk with Pastor Rick Jones that I find invigorating. We're actually going to do a talk looking at spirituality and values and their impact on day-to-day life and happiness and trying to, trying to define this as spirituality that transcends our different religious perspectives.
Tim Unsinn:
Great stuff as always. It seems like when I ask you that question, it's always about learning. Always learning and growing. Thank you. Always appreciate you on Mind Your Mind. Thank you for sharing your time and your talent.
Wayne Martinsen:
Thank you Tim.
Tim Unsinn:
Thank you for joining us for Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services. For more information, links to additional resources, contact information, and much more, go to Dakota family services.org.
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In this episode of Mind Your Mind, Tim Unsinn talks with psychologist Dr. Hannah Baczynski about the signs of burnout, how to prevent it, and how to know if your burnout is related to general life stressors or a mental health disorder. They also talk about the difference between fatigue and burnout, as well as how to support yourself and alleviate burnout when you’re experiencing it.;
Living with Chronic Illness
Many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, or have been diagnosed with one ourselves. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how chronic illness can impact daily living and mental health, as well as how to seek support if you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness.;
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Highs and Lows
Although the term ‘bipolar’ is sometimes used as slang to describe someone who is moody or indecisive, true bipolar disorder is a complex and sometimes severe mental health disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn discusses bipolar disorder with nurse practitioner Amanda Daggett, touching on what the disorder is, what its symptoms look like, and how it can be treated.;
Social Media: Managing Emotions & Setting Boundaries
How much time do you spend each day looking at your phone? An hour or two? Multiple hours? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with therapist Christy Wilkie to discuss how social media use can impact our mental health, relationships, and behavior. Learn tips for monitoring your child’s internet use, as well as how to manage your own time spent on social media.;
Understanding OCD
While OCD is sometimes perceived as simply a desire to keep things neat and organized, it can actually have much more severe symptoms for those who experience it. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with psychologist Dr. Megan Spencer to talk about who Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects, what its signs and symptoms are, and how to seek help if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with OCD.;
Breaking Bad Habits
Bad habits can be easy to start but sometimes very difficult to stop. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Falan Johnson talk about breaking bad habits, including where habits come from, how to know if a habit is bad, and steps you can take to stop it.;
Finding a Therapist
Are you looking for some help on your mental health journey? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Jessie Mertz talk about how to find a therapist, including what you should know when searching and what questions to ask when you meet a therapist for the first time. They also touch on what the letters after a therapist’s name mean, and how they apply to the type of services or treatment you might be looking for.;
Coping with Rejection
Whether it’s from asking someone on a date or applying for a job, we all experience rejection at some point in our lives. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how to cope with rejection, including the common coping stages, the importance of acceptance, and how rejection can impact people differently.;
Borderline Personality Disorder
Like other personality disorders, borderline personality disorder is a commonly misunderstood and stigmatized mental illness. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with Lucas Mitzel, a therapist at Dakota Family Services, about what BPD is, how it affects someone’s behavior, and where to seek treatment if your child has been diagnosed with BPD.;
Psychological Assessments: What to Expect
Do you think you might be suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder? If so, a psychological assessment might be able to help. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, psychologist Dr. Hannah Baczynski and host Tim Unsinn talk about what to expect from a psychological assessment, including what an assessment might include, what information you might receive from the psychologist, and what you should communicate with your psychologist before and after receiving an assessment.;
Supplements in Psychiatry
In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and Amanda Daggett explore the topic of using supplements for mental health. In addition to talking about some of the most commonly used supplements like melatonin and St. John’s Wort, they also discuss the benefits, the risks, and the research surrounding various supplements.;
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Community Chat Series)
Feeling like you’ve got the winter blues? If you’re noticing symptoms of depression with the change of seasons, it may be a sign that you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. In this special Community Chat episode of Mind Your Mind, therapists Christy Wilkie and Lucas Mitzel discuss the common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, how it can affect other mental health disorders, and some useful tips, tricks, and resources for managing symptoms of SAD.;
Trying New Things With Confidence
Join Christy and Lucas, therapists at Dakota Family Services, as they share practical tips for building confidence when trying new things. From managing self-doubt to building resilience, this episode will empower you to approach new experiences with a positive mindset.;
Relationships are Hard
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore why relationships can be so hard. Join them as they discuss the characteristics of both healthy and toxic relationships, talk about the difference between normal conflict and abuse, and help you discover your love languages so you and your partner can best express your love to each other.;
Is Everybody Anxious?
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore anxiety. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder, what you can do to decrease your anxiety, and how to best help loved ones struggling with anxiety.;
Is Everyone Feeling Sad
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore depression. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, what you can do to help yourself feel better, and what you can do to help your loved ones. They will talk about coping strategies, therapy interventions, and ways to help you identify when your child might need extra help.;
Change is Hard
Change is inevitable. Join Christy and Lucas as they explore big and small changes and how they impact you. Learn why change can be so hard, even good change, and discover ways to manage it effectively.;
We Need to Talk About Suicide
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Christy and Lucas discuss the very important topic of suicide. Listen to learn about risk factors, warning signs, and what you can do to help a loved one who is struggling. Remember, you are not alone. If you need immediate assistance, call 911. If you need to talk to someone, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.;
Do We Need to Get Outside?
Join Lucas and Christy as they explore the power of spending time outdoors on mental and emotional well-being. Discover practical tips, personal anecdotes, and expert insights on the benefits of getting outside and reconnecting with nature.;
Exploring ADHD
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?" Lucas and Christy discuss ADHD, shedding light on its prevalence and impact on daily life. Learn practical strategies for managing symptoms and understand why your friend or loved one with ADHD does the things they do.;
Internet Safety and Mental Health
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", join our hosts Christy and Lucas as they delve into the complex relationship between the internet and mental health. With the digital age bringing information and social connections to our fingertips, it also presents unique challenges and opportunities for our safety and psychological well-being.;
Boosting Self-Esteem: From Marathons to Daily Triumphs
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", Christy and Lucas discuss how common it is for people to see themselves differently from others. Using their own personal triumphs and challenges as examples, they outline the things that shape our self-esteem. Additionally, they share simple daily practices to help listeners recognize and celebrate their own personal victories. This episode is filled with tips and engaging stories aimed at encouraging listeners to undertake challenges that foster self-growth and personal confidence.;
Therapy Unveiled: What to Know Before You Go
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Lucas and Christy talk about what it's like to begin therapy. Feeling apprehensive about starting therapy is normal, but surmountable. Together, Lucas and Christy unravel common myths about therapy and emphasize the role of therapy in disrupting negative life patterns and routines that are no longer serving you.;
Coping with the Back-to-School Blues
In the latest episode of “Is It Just Me?” Christy and Lucas tackle the transition from leisurely summer days to structured school schedules with warmth and wisdom. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking guidance and strategies to help navigate the shift with confidence. Learn how to handle changes in routine, the importance of communication, and strategies to help the entire family adjust to and embrace the new normal. Listening to this episode can be your first step toward making back-to-school a season of growth and positive change for all.;
The Art of Overcoming Trauma
In this month’s episode of the "Is It Just Me?" podcast, Lucas Mitzel and Christy Wilkie, Dakota Family Services, dive into the complexities of trauma and its therapy. The episode sheds light on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and the importance of creating a trauma narrative as a cornerstone of healing. The thoughtful discussions aim to educate listeners on the intricacies of trauma, the innovative methods used in therapy, and the role of caregivers in the recovery process. Through expert insights and compassionate storytelling, Lucas and Christy provide practical advice and real-world examples for individuals who have experienced trauma.;
Navigating Life Through Mindfulness
In this episode of “Is It Just Me?”, Lucas and Christy delve into the world of mindfulness and relaxation techniques. From body scans to mindfulness exercises, they provide a soothing experience to help you unwind and distress. Discover practical tips and advice on incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine and learn how to prioritize mental well-being in today's fast-paced world.;
Mindfulness: Body Scan
In this special additional episode of “Is It Just Me” join therapist Lucas Mitzel as he gives listeners a transformative journey within their own body and mind. In this episode, Lucas guides listeners through a soothing body scan to promote calm, mindfulness, and inner peace. This episode offers a unique mixdown of gentle narration, and relaxation techniques, leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more connected to yourself.;