Childhood Low Mood & Depression Support in Coquitlam
Have you noticed your child becoming increasingly withdrawn, irritable, or "flat"? Perhaps they’ve lost interest in the activities they used to love, or they seem to be carrying a heavy cloud that won't lift. At Strong River Counselling, we understand that childhood depression and low mood often look different than they do in adults.
We provide a nurturing, play-based environment in Coquitlam to help children process their feelings and find their way back to joy and connection.
Symptoms of Low Mood: What Parents Notice
In children, depression doesn't always look like sadness. Often, it presents as a change in "energy" or temperament. You might notice:
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Increased Irritability: Frequent "snapping," being easily frustrated, or acting out in ways that seem out of character.
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Loss of Interest (Anhedonia): No longer wanting to play with favorite toys, go to the park, or see friends.
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Changes in Physical Habits: Significant shifts in sleep patterns (too much or too little) or changes in appetite.
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Self-Critical Talk: Saying things like "I'm a bad kid," "Nobody likes me," or "I can't do anything right."
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Low Energy: A constant sense of being "tired" or moving slowly, even after a full night's sleep.
Why Do Children Experience Low Mood?
Low mood in children is often a sign that their "emotional battery" has run dry. It can be triggered by many factors:
The Impact of Stress and Transitions
For many children in the Tri-Cities, low mood is a response to Life Transitions or Divorce, school pressures, or a sense of being overwhelmed by their environment. When a child feels they cannot meet the demands of their world, their nervous system may "shut down" as a way to protect itself. We help identify the "why" so we can build a path toward "light."
Our Approach: Reconnecting Through Play and CBT
We don't expect a child struggling with low mood to sit and explain their feelings. We use an active, engaged approach to build their resilience.
Activating Joy Through Play Therapy
Play Therapy is a powerful tool for low mood. It allows children to express the "unspoken" heavy feelings through art, sand-tray work, and creative play. This process helps them move through their emotions rather than getting stuck in them.
Skills-Based CBT for Older Children
For children who are ready, we integrate CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques. We help them recognize "gray-cloud thinking" and teach them how to identify small "wins" that can help shift their mood over time.
Parenting Support: Being the Light for Your Child
It is heartbreaking to watch your child struggle with sadness. We provide Parent Support to help you navigate this season:
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Validation Over "Fixing": Learning how to sit with your child in their sadness so they don't feel alone in it.
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Behavioral Activation: Discovering small, low-pressure ways to re-engage your child in the world without "pushing" too hard.
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Co-regulation: Ensuring you have the support you need to stay regulated when your child is struggling.
Meet Your Clinical Director:
Destinee Kreil, MCP, RCC
Destinee Kreil brings a deeply empathetic, attachment-focused lens to the treatment of low mood. She believes that every child has an innate resilience and that through the "Strong River" of family connection and professional support, they can find their way back to a vibrant, joyful life.
Childhood Low Mood & Depression FAQ
Is my child depressed or just going through a "phase"?
All children have "off" days. However, if your child’s low mood lasts for more than two weeks and is impacting their school, friendships, or family life, it is worth seeking a clinical consultation. Early support with a Registered Clinical Counsellor can prevent these feelings from becoming more deeply rooted.
Can low mood be linked to ADHD or Autism?
Yes. Many neurodivergent children experience "burnout," which can look identical to depression. If your child is struggling with Neuro-affirming ADHD Support or sensory needs, their low mood may be a sign of exhaustion. We specialize in teasing apart these complexities.
Does childhood depression lead to self-harm?
While not every child with low mood will experience self-harming thoughts, it is a concern parents often have. We provide a safe space to discuss these "scary thoughts" and create safety plans that empower both the child and the parent.
How do you help a child who says "I don't know why I'm sad"?
This is very common! Children often lack the insight to know why they feel heavy. Through play and relationship building, we help them find the "clues" in their behaviour and play that explain what their heart is feeling. Read our guide on Expressive Play Therapy to learn more about how children can heal through play!
Will my child need to see a psychiatrist?
Most cases of childhood low mood can be successfully managed through therapy and environmental changes. However, if we feel your child needs further medical assessment, we can coordinate with your family doctor in Coquitlam or help you navigate the "next steps" in the BC healthcare system.
