Anxiety is a common everyday feeling that many people feel. However, anxiety can escalate into depression, or could be an anxiety disorder. In these cases, treatment can help.
On this page:
Signs of depression in youth
- Continuous low moods or sadness
- Being irritable or intolerant of others
- Showing feelings of helplessness
- Increasing social isolation
- Little to no enjoyment of things you once liked
Helpful Link from Kids Help Phone
How to treat depression
- Engage in regular physical activity and exercise
- Maintain healthy and regular sleep patterns
- Spend time with friends and loved ones and accept help when offered
- Understand that your mood will improve gradually, not immediately
- Talk to a professional. It’s a great first step to learning more about how you’re feeling and the options around managing your mental wellbeing that will be most effective for you
- Continue to learn more about your depression and maintain awareness of what works and what doesn’t, as you and your doctor try out different treatment options
Signs of anxiety in youth
- Crying a lot
- Constantly worrying about grades
- Always trying to be perfect / Being afraid to make mistakes
- Not sleeping well / Having nightmares
- Being afraid of the dark
- Worrying about something horrible happening to loved ones
- Feeling like you’re going crazy
- Obsessing about dying
- Avoiding friends or social situations
- Being afraid of speaking up and asking questions in class
- Blanking out or freezing up in stressful situations
Helpful Links from Kids Help Phone
Healthy coping mechanisms
- Ask for help
- Blow off some steam with some exercise
- Get some sleep, ensure you’re getting 6-8 hours of sleep a night
- Talk to a professional
Programs/Groups/Resources
Anxiety Canada provides free resources and programs.
Back to Mental Health
Connect.
Learn.
Reach Out.
