Anxiety & Depression

Compassionate Care for Anxiety & Depression

While it’s completely normal for children and teens to experience ups and downs, certain symptoms may indicate they need professional support to truly thrive. Children and teens often express anxiety and depression differently than adults, and you, as the parent, are usually the first to notice those subtle shifts in behavior.

In today’s high-pressure world, our most vulnerable population faces unique challenges. It is our collective responsibility as parents and healthcare providers to partner together, seek to understand, and support them. By equipping children with the tools to process difficult feelings and overcome hardships today, we help them grow into resilient adults with the coping skills to lead healthy lives and the ability to pass that on to the next generation.

Why See a Pediatrician for Anxiety & Depression?

Navigating your child’s mental health can feel like wandering through a maze. Many families are relieved to learn that their pediatrician is more than just a resource for physical checkups; we are your primary care home and a vital first step in addressing mental health concerns.

At Raleigh Pediatrics, we believe mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Our dedicated Behavioral Health program was built by our physicians to support your family and provide a safe, supportive environment for your child to thrive. Because we already understand your child’s medical history, developmental milestones, and unique family dynamics, we can provide a unique level of personalized care as they grow and change.

Recognizing the Signs: What to Look For

Children and teens don’t always have the vocabulary to say, “I’m depressed,” or know how to express what they’re feeling. Instead, they show us through their behavior. Any of these signs can occur in children who are not depressed or anxious, but when experienced together on a daily basis, they can be red flags.

Common Signs of Anxiety:

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no physical cause.

• Avoidance of school or social gatherings.

• Constant “what if” questioning and a need for excessive reassurance.

• Restlessness or trouble concentrating in class.

• Rapid heart rate and muscle tension.

Common Signs of Depression:

• Irritability or acting out rather than just sadness.

• Loss of interest in hobbies they used to love.

• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia).

• Withdrawal from friends and family.

• High screentime on phones or other devices.

• Disinterested with or unhopeful for the future.

It’s common for children and teens to show symptoms of both anxiety and depression, or for them to occur sequentially. By treating the whole child rather than just a set of symptoms, we address the root causes of these overlapping feelings.

24/7 Emergency Resources

If you, your child, or anyone in your family is facing mental health struggles, substance use concerns, or just needs someone to talk to, you aren’t alone.

Call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 1-877-626-1772 for 24/7 Mobile Crisis Services, and care will come to you.

Treatment for Anxiety and Depression

The great news about anxiety and depression is that therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and medicine have the potential to make huge improvements by addressing the underlying neurobiological causes of both conditions.

We understand that the idea of medication can be daunting as a parent. You might worry about personality changes or long-term dependency.

Medication is one of many tools; it is a bridge, not a destination. When prescribed, medication is often used to lower the volume of overwhelming symptoms so that therapy and lifestyle changes can actually take root. We monitor every child with extreme care, starting with the lowest effective doses, and we prioritize open communication with you every step of the way. Our goal is to see your child feel more like themselves, not less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child too young to have depression or anxiety?

While commonly manifesting in pre-teen and teen years, depression and anxiety symptoms can present as early as 3 years old in rare cases. You know your child best, and early intervention is the most effective way to ensure long-term wellness.

Is my child too young for anxiety/depression medications?

Medications are completely safe and well-studied in younger children. While often used alongside therapy, a “start low and go slow” approach combined with close clinical monitoring ensures safety and effectiveness for our younger patients.

How do you diagnose anxiety and depression in kids?

We use a combination of standardized screenings, clinical observations, and most importantly, open conversations with you and your child.

Will my child have to be on medication forever?

Not necessarily. For many children, medication is a temporary support while they learn coping mechanisms and emotional regulation through therapy.

How can I support my child at home?

Creating an environment of open, non-judgmental communication is the most effective way to help your child feel comfortable sharing difficult emotions.

Beyond emotional support, you can ensure the home is a safe environment by securely storing medications, firearms, and other potential hazards, and help your child build a toolbox of calming activities, like deep breathing, coloring/drawing, or physical movement, to do when emotions feel overwhelming.

Serving the Raleigh & Garner Communities

We are proud to be a local resource for families in Wake County. Our offices are conveniently located in Raleigh and Garner to serve your family. We understand the specific stressors our local youth face, from competitive school environments to social media pressures, and we are here to help them navigate it all.