Is My Child Depressed? Warning Signs and Resources for Childhood Depression

April 11, 2022 Madeleine Vieira

Growing up is often described as an emotional rollercoaster. There are so many highs and lows that come with the experiences of childhood and adolescence—riding a bike for the first time, finding a best friend, going through puberty and exploring sexuality. School, friends, family, hormonal changes—all of these different parts of a child’s life can contribute to intense feelings.

But if your child has more ‘lows’ than ‘highs’—low moods, sadness, low self-esteem—they may be suffering from depression.

As a parent, it may be hard to accept that even children can become depressed. What do they have to be depressed about, after all? They don’t have to pay taxes, go to work, or navigate the complexities of adult relationships. Childhood is often described wistfully by adults as carefree—longed for by nostalgic memory of a time when recess was the best part of a day, meals were cooked and paid for, and someone— a parent or caregiver—was watching out for you.

How To Handle Separation Anxiety Disorder In Your Child: 3 Practical Tips and Strategies

March 16, 2022 Madeleine Vieira

Girl anxious to separate from her mother

For some children and parents, the drop-off at daycare or school is the worst part of the day. Every. Single. Day.

There are even children that struggle with their parents or caregivers leaving the room or being out of eyesight.

This level of separation anxiety can be mentally and emotionally for both parties.

If this is you, take a deep breath. I’m here to tell you that there are ways to help your child gain a sense of security and be more comfortable. Let’s walk through the signs, causes, and treatments of separation anxiety disorder together. You can do this!

Mental Illness in Children: Is It Just a Phase or Something More?

February 22, 2022 Madeleine Vieira

When you hear the phrase “mental illness” what comes to mind? If you think about managing your own mental health or the psychological issues other adults in your life are navigating, you’re not alone.

Often mental health—and on the flipside, mental illness—are seen as things only adults have to manage. But the truth is, one in six children will experience a mental health disorder in any given year.1

The number of children and teens battling mental health issues without proper treatment is staggering.

The teenage years are hard enough as it is—on both teens and parents. What with the raging hormones, the increased importance of friends over family, and the pressures to perform well in school—it’s easy to chalk up mood swings or changes in behavior to growing up.

The Winter Blues: How Seasonal Affective Disorder Can Affect Children

February 21, 2022 Madeleine Vieira

Small boy reaching for a leaf in the snow

Winter. The days are shorter. It gets dark before dinner is finished. It’s hard to get outside. There are so many dreary, overcast, no-sunshine-in-sight days.

Winter also contains some of the most fun activities of the year. Building snowmen and drinking hot cocoa to warm up afterwards. Enjoying holiday traditions and seeing your child’s face light up as they open gifts. The list could go on and on.

Many people, though, find the weather and darkness of winter to be a difficult time of year. Even children can struggle with the changing of the seasons. But when sadness in winter becomes severe, the person may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Children’s Mental Health Week Empowers Growth and Reflection On Your Child’s Mental Health Journey

February 9, 2022 Madeleine Vieira

Mental health can often feel like a topic that is hard to tackle. And it can feel especially difficult to discuss with children.

It’s hard to know what terms to use, how to make the conversation developmentally appropriate, and how to not overwhelm them with information.

But we know that it is so important to have conversations on mental health. We know that approximately one in six children between the ages of two and eight have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder (1).

Childhood Anxiety vs. Adult Anxiety: How Anxiety in Children Looks Different

February 1, 2022 Madeleine Vieira

Socially anxious child covering their face

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions today.

7.1% of children aged 3-17 years have an anxiety diagnosis.(1) And it's estimated that 30% of children and adolescents will have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.(2)

Anxiety disorders can develop at any age, though we know that half of mental health disorders begin in childhood. While both children and adults can struggle with an anxiety disorder, there are some key differences in how these disorders present themselves.

5 Tips for Meeting the Emotional Needs of a Child and Helping Them Thrive

January 17, 2022 Madeleine Vieira

Are you a parent and sometimes unsure how to meet the emotional needs of your child?

You’re not alone.

It’s often easier to provide our little ones with clothes, food, education and a place to rest their heads than to tend to their feelings.

Because let’s be honest, buying your child ice cream is way more straightforward.

So, here are 5 tips to help you meet the emotional needs of children in a way that supports their growth…