Anxiety and Depression in

Children and Teens:

Identifying the Signs and
Symptoms
PRESENTED BY AHSAN TARIQ
 Anxiety has biological/chemical, emotional and
spiritual components

 Anxiety is the mind and body's reaction to

stressful, or unfamiliar situations. It's the sense of
uneasiness, distress, or dread you feel before a
significant event. A certain level of Anxiety helps
us stay alert and aware, but for those suffering
from an anxiety disorder, it feels far from normal -
it can be completely draining.
 Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

 Constant and persistent worry

 Edginess, nervous
 Reluctance or refusal to go to school or other activities
 Restlessness
 Inattention, poor focus
 Somatic symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
 Avoidance
 Crying
 Meltdowns before school about clothing, hair, shoes, socks or after school/uni about homework
 Difficulty settling down for bed
 PHOBIAS:  WHEN FEARS SEPARATION ANXIETY: GENERALIZED ANXIETY
ARE OUT OF CONTROL FEAR OF BEING AWAY DISORDER:  CONSTANT

Different types
FROM FAMILY GROWN- WORRYING FOR MONTHS
UPS AT A TIME

of Anxieties

PANIC ATTACKS:  FEAR OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE POST-TRAUMATIC

THAT STOPS YOU IN YOUR DISORDER:  THOUGHTS STRESS DISORDER: 
TRACKS AND ACTIONS YOU JUST STRESS AND FEAR FROM A
CAN'T STOP TERRIBLE MEMORY
 Medical definition- Childhood depression is persistent
sadness. When it occurs, the child feels alone, hopeless,
helpless, and worthless. When this type of sadness is
unending, it disrupts every part of the child's life.

 Red Flags can include: child/teen acting out, isolating and

no longer wanting to do the things they have enjoyed in
the past, self-harming behaviors or comments about not
wanting to live

 What to do about self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts –

ALWAYS take this information seriously. Reach out to a
professional for help, support and resources.
 Common signs/symptoms of Depression

 The signs and symptoms of childhood depression include:

 Changes in appetite -- either increased appetite or decreased
 Changes in sleep -- sleeplessness or excessive sleep
 Continuous feelings of sadness or hopelessness
 Difficulty concentrating
 Fatigue and low energy
 Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
 Impaired thinking or concentration
 Increased sensitivity to rejection
 Irritability or anger
 Physical complaints (such as stomachaches or headaches) that do not respond to treatment
 Reduced ability to function during events and activities at home or with friends, in school or during
extracurricular activities, or when involved with hobbies or other interests
 Social withdrawal
 Thoughts of death or suicide
 Vocal outbursts or crying
Are you noticing different patterns in behavior? 
 Changes in eating/sleeping patterns.
 Withdrawing/isolating
 Reports of changed behavior by teachers, child care
providers, friends and family
Is your Friend withdrawing and not willing to talk to
you?
Does your Friend share that he or she is sad, lonely
and/or worried?
Have there been significant life changes or losses
(moving, friendship loss, illness or injury, divorce or
separation, death of a friend or family member)
Has your Friend been the victim of bullying?
 Counseling – specific approaches including
Play therapy, TBRI, CBT, EMDR
Treatment for
Anxiety and Relaxation training
Depression in
Children and Medication/Supplements/Vitamins 

Teens Psychological assessment/testing for specific

disorders such as ADHD
REACH OUT
 REACH OUT TO YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY
 TALKING TO SOMEONE WILL DEFINITELY CALM YOUR MIND AND
THOUGHTS
 DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU ARE ALONE
 AND PEOPLE WHO ARE CL;OSE TO YOU WANTS THE BEST FOR YOU
THANK YOU
ANY QUERIES?