Learn the signs of stress, anxiety, and depression in kids, what’s normal, and when to seek help from a pediatric or mental health provider.
Published April 30, 2026
Contributed by: Kelsey MacDougall, PsyD / Pediatric Pscyhology
Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Kids Are Rising: Warning Signs Parents Should Know
Stress, anxiety, worry and depression are not just grown-up feelings. Kids can feel them, too, and it’s important to know when these feelings are typical or when you should be worried.
One in three kids aged 12 to 17 had a mental, emotional, or behavioral problem, such as anxiety, or depression, in 2022–2023, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
“There’s a misconception that children will grow out of these feelings, but we need to intervene early so it doesn’t become worse,” said Kelsey MacDougall, Psy.D., a pediatric psychologist at MetroHealth Main Campus’ Pediatric Clinic. “Don’t wait for a crisis. It’s important that you talk with your primary care provider if these big feelings get in the way of your kids’ life.”
Normal Behavior vs. When You Should Be Concerned
Anxiety is normal, and it is our body’s natural response in situations of stress. For kids, they can feel stress if the workload at school is tough, if they’re having problems with friendships, or if their parents and caregivers are stressed at home.
Feelings of sadness are part of life, too.
When these feelings become too big for kids to handle, that’s when it’s time to ask your primary pediatric provider for help.
Warning Signs
Kids’ behavior gives clues into how they’re feeling. Behavior changes are big signs that something is going on. Young kids may be clingy or have tantrums. Middle schoolers and teens may act out, lose their appetites or have difficulty sleeping.
Other signs are:
- Physical symptoms, like unexplained headaches and stomachaches, feeling low energy, sweaty palms or racing heartbeat
- Mood swings and irritability, especially in cases of depression
- Trouble concentrating
- Avoiding activities that used to make them happy
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Separation anxiety
- Aggression or crying
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Unreasonable worrying
Never ignore it if a kid says they want to kill or hurt themselves. Call 911 or go to the local emergency department right away.
What You Can Do to Help
The most important thing you, as a parent or caregiver, can do is spend quality time with your kids. Quietly playing or sitting at the dinner table without screens gives kids space to feel connected to you. Make it light and breezy, so they open up.
Ask questions, such as:
• What did you enjoy today?
• What was hard about today?
• What’s something you learned today that you can teach me?
When kids open up to you, don’t judge. Instead, say something like “I’m so glad you’re telling me this. I’m a safe person to talk to. I want to know more about your thoughts so I can help you.”
It’s also important to give kids the words they need to describe how they’re feeling. When they have the tools to talk about their feelings, they feel understood.
- Print out a feelings chart or wheel from the internet and tape it to the refrigerator.
- Share your feelings to set an example.
You can also:
- Make sure they get enough sleep: 8 to 10 hours a night, depending on age.
- Don’t allow kids to use tech to isolate: Reduce phone and screen use or only allow kids to use devices in family common areas.
- Write or draw your feelings: some kids prefer to open up by writing to parents in a journal or drawing pictures of their feelings.
Talk to Your Pediatric Providers
Just like with physical health, the sooner you get treatment for your kids, the better. Anxiety and depression are treatable. Your primary pediatric provider can help. If they want you to see a psychologist, they can refer you to one.
If it’s a crisis, don’t wait for an appointment. Go to your nearest emergency department.
Want to Learn More?
Ask your MetroHealth provider for a referral to a pediatric psychologist. To schedule an appointment, call 216-778-2222, or see a full list of our pediatric providers.
Your Questions Answered
Q: What’s normal stress or sadness in kids—and when should I be concerned?
A: Understanding what’s typical for your child’s age can help you recognize when feelings like worry, irritability, or sadness may signal something more serious.
Q: What warning signs of anxiety or depression should I watch for in my child?
A: Behavior changes, physical symptoms, mood shifts, withdrawal, or changes in sleep and appetite can all be clues that a child is struggling.
Q: When and how should I seek help for my child’s mental health?
A: Knowing when to talk to your pediatric provider—and what support options are available—can help you act early and prevent challenges from becoming crises.
