Depression

Dr. Carrie Borchardt sat down with KARE-TV to discuss anxiety and depression in kids and teens.

Depression--feeling down or having feelings of sadness--is a mood that can affect anyone. It is a normal part of the range of emotions people experience. It is a useful emotion. It can help a teen recognize problems and cope with difficulties. If depressed feelings-- different than a passing mood or feeling--do not go away or when they begin to interfere with daily activities then depression should be recognized and treated. When a teen’s mood disrupts his or her ability to function, it may indicate a serious emotional disorder.

For teens with a chronic illness or disability, adolescence is a combination of a special developmental period and a difficult set of challenges. Adolescence is a unique developmental time characterized by emerging independence, rapid cognitive and physical growth, and the development of an identity. Peer relationships develop a special significance during adolescence. Chronic illness and disability impose physical limitations, often require repeat medical visits, and can involve complex medical treatments.

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We know you may want to dig for more information, so we gathered these easy-to-digest materials and resources from pediatric organizations in Minnesota and beyond.

At Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's behavioral health program, we take the time to get to know your child even before the first visit. We understand that the key to helping your child lies in learning as much as we can about your child's individual needs and concerns.

The behavioral health team at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is dedicated to improving kids' emotional well-being. Our specialists are experts at helping children and teens navigate emotional terrain and manage mental health issues.

Choosing where to bring your child for care is a major decision. We understand you want all the information you can get. And you want it in a clear, straightforward form that helps you make the right choice for your family.

The behavioral health program at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is full of experts who diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health issues in children and teens. Our psychologists and psychiatrists are leaders in their fields who are skilled at understanding kids and their problems — and helping parents understand, too.