In this episode we discuss depression--when a child's sadness rises to the level of creating problems for them.

• WHAT IS DEPRESSION? 
  • sadness that rises to the level of depression as these thoughts, feelings and experiences become incapacitating or debilitating
• DOES DEPRESSION ALSO EXIST ON A SPECTRUM LIKE ANXIETY?

• DOES DEPRESSION LOOK DIFFERENT AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF LIFE?

• WHAT PROBLEMS CAN LOOK LIKE DEPRESSION?
   
• DO OTHER MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS HAPPEN ALONG WITH DEPRESSION?
   
• HOW MUCH IS NATURE VS NURTURE  WITH DEPRESSION?
   
• WHAT IS THE EVALUATION PROCESS FOR DIAGNOSING DEPRESSION?

• WHAT OUTSIDE HELP DO YOU BRING IN FOR DIAGNOSING DEPRESSION? 

• WHAT ABOUT SUICIDE THOUGHTS?  HOW DO WE MANAGE THOSE?
  
  
• WHAT IF THERE IS A CRISIS—A PARENT IS AFRAID FOR THEIR CHILD’S SAFETY RIGHT NOW?

• WHAT ARE THE NON-MEDICATION TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DEPRESSION?
   
• SHOULD EVERYONE USE COUNSELING?

• HOW DOES A PARENT CHOOSE A GOOD COUNSELOR FOR THEIR CHILD?
  • 4 items to choose a counselor paragraph. Right insurance  right age right problem right fit 
  • I recommend counseling through therapist covered by your insurance.  Call or check on website to see: 1, who is covered; 2, the counselor who works primarily with patient's age group; 3, they help with the concern we have; and 4, they are a good fit for the patient--hobbies, interests, so they have something in common--best chance for a good therapeutic relationship
• ARE THERE COMPLIMENTARY THERAPY OPTIONS?

• WHAT ABOUT THE BASICS—SLEEP, EXERCISE?

• ANY BOOKS OR APPS THAT ARE AVAILABLE?
  • Stem 4 Apps
    • Move Mood—manage low mood and depression
    • Calm Harm—track and resist self harm
    • Worth Warrior—self-worth and eating issues
    • Calm Fear—help to manage anxiety
    • SafeUT--Safe Utah app super critical for being able to report concerns as well as get help
  • Books—books that utilize counseling therapy principles
    • Happiness Trap
    • Mind Over Mood
    •  Don’t Let Your Emotions Ruin Your Life
    •  Beyond the Blues
    • Think Good, Feel Good
• WHAT ABOUT NEW TECHNIQUES LIKE TMS (TRANSCRANIAL MAGNET STIMULATION) AND KETAMINE THERAPY

• WHO NEEDS MEDICATION?

• WHAT ARE THE MEDICATION OPTIONS FOR TREATING DEPRESSION?

• WHAT IF A PATIENT WON’T GO TO COUNSELING BUT WILL TAKE MEDICATION?  WILL YOU STILL PRESCRIBE FOR THEM?

• MANY PARENTS HAVE HEARD ABOUT GENETIC TESTING FOR PRESCRIBING—TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT.

• ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF TREATING WITH MEDICATION?

•   SHOULD PARENTS BE AFRAID OF SIDE EFFECTS WITH LONG-TERM USE?

• PARENTS MAY HAVE HEARD ABOUT A WARNING THAT ANTI-DEPRESSANTS INCREASE SUICIDE THOUGHTS.

• WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT TREATING?

• WHAT SHOULD PARENTS EXPECT FOR FOLLOW-UP  ONCE TREATMENT IS STARTED?

• ANY PARTING THOUGHTS ON TREATING DEPRESSION?