Depression Support for Kids

Being a kid is tough. We’re here to help.

W E L C O M E T O L I T T L E O T T E R

Experience a comprehensive, personalized approach to online mental health care for children 0-14 and their families.

At Little Otter, kids get better. So do their parents.

We know that the child mental health crisis is a family mental health crisis. And solutions must meet the mental health needs of the whole family. Thankfully, our care program is designed to do just that.

Commonly Asked Questions About Depression

  • Depression is characterized by a down or irritable mood, and/or anhedonia. Anhedonia is when a person stops taking pleasure or enjoyment in things they used to enjoy.

    There are 9 main symptoms of depression:

    1. Depressed mood

    2. Loss of interest or enjoyment in your usual activities and hobbies

    3. Weight or appetite change

    4. Slowed down thoughts or physical movements, or feeling of restlessness

    5. Fatigue and loss of energy

    6. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

    7. Anger or irritability

    8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate

    9. Thoughts of suicide, death, or dying

    Depression is classified as experiencing at least 5 of the following primary symptoms of depression most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

    Please be aware that depression may also be accompanied with recurrent thoughts of death and suicide, including suicide plans and attempts. If you notice any of these symptoms, in yourself or someone you care about, take it seriously. You can call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or reach out to one of the following national resources:

    • Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center.

    • Text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

  • Yes, absolutely. Children experience depression at the same rates as adults. Since stress and trauma early in life can trigger depression, it is crucial to be treated early.

    New insights about brain development and early childhood experience show that caring for young children’s mental health is essential for their life-long physical health and well-being.

    If you notice your child - or your partner - experiencing depression, it’s important to pay attention and take action.

    As children grow, they develop their capacities to manage their feelings and to regulate their behaviors. Early identification and treatment can set your child up for success.

  • Treatment for depression involves talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Many medications can treat depression.

    One of the main talk therapy treatments is CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), an evidence-based treatment, that teaches you how to rewire your thought processes and behaviors to limit triggers for depression. There are other evidence-based treatments for depression, too, including interpersonal psychotherapy.

Dr. Helen Egger, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer

“There is no health without mental health.”

Dr. Helen Egger is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at Little Otter. She has been in the field of child mental health for more than 30 years. She is a pediatric doctor, early childhood mental health expert, digital health expert, and prolific scientist. And, she is a mother of four

Dr. Helen Egger was previously the Division Chief for Child Psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine and Department Chair and Director of NYU Langone Health Child Study Center.