Teens who struggle with anxiety often experience higher rates of depression — especially in the wake of the pandemic. Learn the difference between these two common mental health disorders, what the symptoms are, and how to help your teen when they collide.  

Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. For some children and teens, just the act of managing anxiety by avoiding fears can be so limiting and isolating that it leads to depression.

For others, depression and constant negative thinking can provide anxiety with a place to flourish.

Depression and anxiety symptoms can look similar, so how can you tell if your child or teen has anxiety, depression or both?

In this article, you’ll learn about anxiety and depression and how they’re linked, how to talk to your child or teen if you suspect they are depressed, and when it may be time to look for help.

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1. Anxiety vs. depression — what's the difference?

While some of the outward signs of anxiety and depression seem similar, the causes are different. Depression involves a persistent feeling of sadness. Anxiety, on the other hand, involves fear or worries that your child or teen is unable to control.

Common signs of anxiety In Children and Teens

If your teen has felt anxiety that lasts a long time and prevents them from doing things like going to school or seeing friends, then they may have an anxiety disorder. Physical signs of anxiety can include:

• Problems concentrating due to a state of agitation or racing thoughts
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to racing thoughts or other physical symptoms
• Dizziness
• Nausea, diarrhea or constipation
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure or sweating
• Muscle tension
• Shortness of breath

Depression red flags

Depression can cause children and teens to feel very sad and hopeless. If you notice that your teen has been down a lot and lost interest in things they used to like doing, they may be depressed. Physical symptoms of depression include:

• Problems concentrating or remembering
• Decreased energy
• Loss of appetite or a significant increase in appetite
• Moving or talking more slowly than usual
• Physical aches without a cause
• Sleeping much more or much less than is typical due to ruminative thoughts or low energy
• Persistent sad, hopeless or "empty" mood
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Restlessness or irritability
• Loss of interest or enjoyment in hobbies and activities
• Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches or pain for which no other medical cause can be found

2. How are anxiety and depression linked?

Children and teens who live with anxiety for extended periods of time are more likely to develop depression. Anxiety can reduce one’s sense of safety, causing children to withdraw inwards, which increases the risk for depression.

This kind of layering of anxiety and depression is both common and commonly missed. If a clinician or therapist just treats the presenting symptoms of depression, and misses the anxiety, the result won’t be effective.

People of all ages who seek treatment for depression or depressive symptoms can also be dealing with anxiety. In fact, it’s estimated that over 50% of people with anxiety also suffer from depression.

3. How to help your teen cope with anxiety and depression

While not a mental health professional, there are steps you can take if you suspect your child is struggling with anxiety and/or depression. It all starts with just being there for them. Here are four ways to support your child or teen with depression and anxiety symptoms:

Actively listen

Let them know you take their feelings seriously and want to understand what’s troubling them. For example, you could say, “It seems like you’ve been really down lately. Is that true?”

Engage with questions and listen

Ask your teen questions, but try not to judge or jump in and fix everything. Listening to your teen lets them know that you hear them and you’re trying to understand. Listening without judging will make them feel more comfortable reaching out in the future when they’re ready to talk.

Celebrate small steps of progress

Depression can make doing even the smallest things challenging. Make a point of noticing even simple positive things your teen does, like going to school or doing the dishes or homework, or spending time with family and friends. Likewise, recognize the small steps of bravery your teen may be taking to cope with an anxiety-triggering situation.

Spend quality time without criticism

Provide opportunities to do things without being critical. Invite your teen to join you on an errand or for lunch to help build positive rapport instead of focusing on things you need them to do.

4. When is it time to perhaps get more help?

The following are signs that it may be time to seek more help:

• Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy and from other people
• Changes in school performance
• Changes in eating habits
• Disrupted sleeping patterns

Two serious problems that are directly associated with anxiety and depression in children and teens are self harm and substance abuse. Especially at risk are those who hide their anxiety and depression from parents and friends

5. Treating anxiety and depression in teens

One of the most effective ways to treat anxiety and depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps children and teens change feelings by challenging negative thoughts and behaviors.  This skills-based approach to therapy builds coping skills and has been proven to deliver fast results that last.

If anxiety and depression are moderate to severe, treatment may include CBT and medications such as antidepressants. A combination of psychotherapy and medication usually works better than either alone.

Fort Health offers personalized care plans that may include therapy, medication management and parent coaching - all driven by accurate diagnosis.

Book a free consultation with a Fort Health therapist to learn more about getting the right care for your child’s anxiety and/or depression.

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