You put your best effort into nurturing your children, guiding them in faith, and trying to protect them from harm. It can be devastating to see any of your children struggling, especially with something as complex and challenging as depression. You may feel lost, unsure of what to do, and overwhelmed by worry as your child struggles with depression. Know that you are not alone; there is hope. Here are seven practical ways parents like you can help a depressed child.
1. Recognize the Signs and Seek Professional Help
Depression can show up differently in children than in adults. Symptoms can include persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest in favorite activities, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or even physical complaints like headaches. Don’t dismiss these changes as “just a phase.” Proverbs 27:17 points out: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Get advice from medical professionals. A doctor or therapist can properly diagnose your child and recommend appropriate treatment, including therapy, medication, or a combination. This is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward healing. Start by scheduling an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. He or she can rule out any underlying medical conditions and refer you to a mental health specialist if needed. Be prepared to share specific examples of your child’s behavior and symptoms. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about different treatment options and the potential benefits and risks. Finding a therapist who is a good fit for your child is vital. Consider factors like their experience working with children and adolescents, their therapeutic approach, and whether or not they share your family’s values. You may want to interview a few different therapists before making a decision. Remember, it’s okay for your child to have a say in who they feel comfortable talking to. Educate yourself about the recommended treatment plan. If medication is prescribed, understand how it works, its potential side effects, and the importance of sticking with the prescribed dosage regularly. If therapy is recommended, learn about the type of therapy and how you can best support your child’s progress at home.
2. Create a Safe and Supportive Home Environment
2. Create a Safe and Supportive Home Environment
Your home should be a refuge for your child—a place where they feel loved, accepted, and understood. James 1:19 encourages you to: "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Listen empathetically to your child’s feelings without judgment. Validate your child’s emotions, even if you don’t fully understand them. Let your child know that it’s okay to feel sad or angry, and that you will be available whenever they want to talk with you. Promote open communication and create opportunities for your child to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. Pay close attention to what your child is saying, both verbally and nonverbally. Reflect back what you hear to make sure you understand your child’s messages correctly. Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice unless your child specifically asks for it. Sometimes, just listening is the most powerful thing you can do.
Make time for positive and focused experiences with your child. This could be as simple as having dinner together, playing a game, or going for a walk. The goal is to create opportunities for connection and open communication. Express your love and acceptance for your child unconditionally, regardless of their struggles. Let your child know that their worth doesn’t depend on mood or behavior. On a regular basis, remind your child of his or her strengths and positive qualities.
3. Pray for Your Child and Encourage Them to Develop Strong Spiritual Practices
3. Pray for Your Child and Encourage Them to Develop Strong Spiritual Practices
Prayer (talking to God) and meditation (listening to God) are powerful tools for healing and encouragement. Help your child build enjoyable prayer and meditation practices. Philippians 4:6-7 advises: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Pray for your child’s healing and encouragement and for wisdom for yourself as a parent. Beyond prayer and meditation, teach your child the value of reading the Bible, listening to worship music, and other spiritual practices that bring them closer to God. Help your child find comfort and strength in faith. Pray with your child regularly, such as before meals or at bedtime. When you do, ask for God’s guidance and healing together. Read age-appropriate Bible verses together and discuss their meaning. Help your child find comfort and hope in God’s promises. Consider journaling about what you read and how it applies to your life together. Involve your child in your church community. Surround your child with supportive and trustworthy people at your church to give them a sense of belonging and connection.
4. Help Your Child Start Healthy Habits for Physical Wellbeing
4. Help Your Child Start Healthy Habits for Physical Wellbeing
The Bible reminds you in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Help your child establish healthy habits, including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and sufficient sleep. These practices can have a significant positive impact on your child’s mood and overall wellbeing. Involve your child in activities they enjoy, like sports, music, or art, to help them reconnect with their passions. Buy and cook healthy food at home—vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc. Limit processed foods, sugary food and drinks, and caffeine, since these can have a negative impact on your child’s mood and energy levels. Involve your child in planning and making meals to show how enjoyable healthy eating can be. Encourage your child to be physically active on a regular basis. This could be anything from playing sports to going for a walk or bike ride. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Find activities your child enjoys, and make them a part of your child’s routine. Healthy sleep is also important. Establish a consistent sleep schedule for your child, making sure that he or she gets enough sleep. Lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of depression. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and make sure your child’s bedroom is cool and comfortable.
Photo credit: Jupiterimages from Getty Images via Canva Pro
5. Limit Screen Time and Social Media
5. Limit Screen Time and Social Media
The constant stimulation and comparison involved in using social media can make your child’s depressed feelings worse. Proverbs 4:23 wisely advises: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Talk to your child about the potential negative impacts of social media on mental health, such as cyberbullying, social comparison, and unrealistic expectations. Encourage your child to be mindful of their social media use and the feelings it brings up. Work with your child to establish reasonable limits on screen time and social media use. This may involve setting time limits, designating specific times for screen use, or creating “screen-free” zones in the house. Encourage them to focus on real-life relationships and activities that lead to genuine connections—like enjoying nature, pursuing hobbies, or connecting with friends and family in person.
6. Seek Support for Yourself
6. Seek Support for Yourself
Caring for a child with depression can be emotionally draining. Galatians 6:2 points out that burdens are meant to be shared: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Don’t hesitate to seek support for yourself from your spouse, family, friends, or a counselor. You need to be strong for your child, which means taking care of your emotional and spiritual needs. Your church community can also be a valuable source of support and encouragement for you. Let go of activities that aren’t necessary or useful in your schedule. Make room to prioritize self-care activities that help you recharge and manage stress. This may include spending time in prayer, reading, exercising, listening to music, or pursuing a hobby. Also, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating well. Consider joining a support group for parents of children with mental health challenges. Connecting with others who understand what you are going through can be incredibly helpful. Don’t hesitate to seek professional counseling for yourself. A therapist can give you support, guidance, and coping strategies for dealing with the challenges of parenting a child with depression.
7. Focus on Hope and Celebrate Small Victories
7. Focus on Hope and Celebrate Small Victories
Depression can make it hard to see hope for the future. Romans 12:12 advises: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Help your child focus on the positive aspects of their life, even the small ones. Celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small they seem. Remind your child of God’s love and faithfulness and that healing is possible. Point your child to the hope God offers and encourage them to believe in a brighter future. Help your child reframe negative thoughts into more positive and realistic ones. For example, if your child says, “I’m terrible at everything,” you can gently remind them of their strengths and accomplishments. Encourage your child to focus on what he or she can do, rather than what they can’t do. Help your child identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques can be helpful here, and a therapist can guide you and your child in learning those. Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories. Did your child get out of bed and take a shower? Did he or she complete a homework assignment? Did your child have a good conversation with a friend? These seemingly small things can be huge accomplishments for someone struggling with depression. Make a big deal out of these milestones to reinforce positive behavior and build self-esteem. Publicly praise your child’s efforts and resilience. Remind your child of God’s unconditional love for them. Share stories from the Bible about people who overcame suffering through faith. Encourage your child to hold onto hope in all circumstances. Remind your child that healing is a process and that you will be there for them every step of the way.
Parenting a child with depression is a challenging journey, but you are never alone. God is with you, and you’re surrounded by caring people—from medical professionals and counselors to your family and friends—who can support you and your child. Healing takes time and patience, but it’s possible. So, hold onto the hope God offers you and continue to do your best to help your child and celebrate progress along the healing journey together.
Originally published February 17, 2025.
