Signs of depression and anxiety in children that 'look like normal behaviour' (2025)

It's hard to know if your child is struggling mentally, but there are some red flag signs to watch out for.

Mental health problems in children and young people have been increasing at a worrying rate in recent years. In fact, the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem increased by 50 per cent between 2019 and 2023, according to The Children's Society.

A staggering one in six children aged five to 16 are likely to develop a mental health problem, and while this figure is shockingly high, the signs of depression and anxiety in young ones can be much more subtle.

It can be difficult to know how to handle the situation as a parent, and how to approach the subject with them in a respectful way. But there are things you can do to identify a mental health struggle in your child, and simple ways to support them.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) say on its website: "Signs of depression or anxiety in children can sometimes look like normal behaviour, particularly in teenagers who might keep their feelings to themselves.

"So, knowing how to talk to your child about their mental health is important."

But how can you tell if your child in struggling mentally, and how can you give them the support they need? Here's everything you need to know.

Signs of depression and anxiety in children

The NSPCC shares some common signs of depression in children to look out for on their website.

These include:

• ongoing low mood or lack of motivation
• not enjoying things they used to like doing
• becoming withdrawn and spending less time with friends and family
• experiencing low self-esteem or feeling like they are ‘worthless’
• feeling tearful or upset regularly
• changes in eating or sleeping habits

Signs of anxiety in children include:

• becoming socially withdrawn and avoiding spending time with friends or family
• feeling nervous or 'on edge' a lot of the time
• having panic attacks
• feeling tearful, upset or angry
• having trouble sleeping
• changes in eating habits

If you're worried about your child's mental health, the experts at NSPCC suggest speaking to your child's GP.

They say on their website: "Supporting a child with a mental health problem like depression or anxiety can be hard, and it’s important for a young person to speak to their GP about professional help if they’re struggling.

"This should be the first step you take if you’re worried a child may have a mental health problem. Sometimes, a GP will prescribe medication to help a child or young person with depression or anxiety symptoms."

You can also ask your child's GP about a referral to the NHS's child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), which is a free service for children and young people under 18.

CAMHS aims to help young people who are struggling with serious mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, panic attacks or eating problems.

Unfortunately, an assessment for CAMHS can take several weeks after a GP referral to the service.

If your child is struggling to open up to you or other family members, you can also inform them of Childline, where they'll be able to talk anonymously about how they've been feeling.