Problems We Address

Depression

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a medical illness that differs from typical feelings of sadness. Symptoms of depression may include low self-esteem, feeling tired, inability to feel joy, increased irritability or anger, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, frequent crying, withdrawal from friends and family, changes in school performance, sleeping more than usual and loss of interest in usual activities.

Older children and teenagers are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than younger children. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 3.2 million teenagers ages 12 to 17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017. Girls are more likely to have depression, and receive treatment, than boys.

If your child or teenager appears to be displaying symptoms of depression, it is crucial to act quickly in seeking treatment. Some children and teenagers struggling with depression may consider suicide. Suicide is among the leading causes of death for Americans ages 10 to 24. Depression can be treated through psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.

Mental health services are offered for children from birth through age 24 and their families at all three sites of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. Additionally, the Latina Girls Project offers bilingual and bicultural mental health counseling as well as outings for adolescent girls suffering from depression. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.

National Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741

In an emergency, call 911.

Related programs:

Latina Girls Project

The Fay J. Lindner Foundation Triage and Emergency Services

The Douglas S. Feldman Suicide Prevention Project

Read more in our blog:

Is its Normal Blues or Clinical Depression?

Recognizing Depression in Your Adolescent

Guidance Center Expands Suicide Prevention Efforts