When a Child's Feelings Feel too Big to Carry Alone
Children experience anxiety and depression too — though it can look very different from the way it appears in adults. A child cannot always find the words for what they are feeling, so distress often shows itself through behaviour, sleep, the body or sudden changes in mood.
If your child seems persistently worried, withdrawn, irritable or low, please know that these feelings are real, they are not your fault, and they are treatable. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not failure.
Signs of Anxiety in Children
- Excessive worry, fearfulness or seeking constant reassurance
- Avoiding school, social situations or new experiences
- Physical complaints such as tummy aches or headaches
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
- Clinginess, irritability or meltdown
Signs of Low Mood or Depression in Children
- Persistent sadness, tearfulness or irritability
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite, energy or sleep
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Negative self-talk or expressions of hopelessness
How Dr Ramsundhar can Help
Dr Ramsundhar offers a gentle, thorough assessment to understand what your child is experiencing and what may be contributing to it — including any overlap with conditions such as ADHD, autism or learning difficulties. She takes time to listen to both you and your child, in a calm and unhurried way.
Care is evidence-based and individualised. Working closely with clinical and educational psychologists, she helps put the right therapeutic support in place and considers all appropriate options with you. Through ongoing follow-up, she ensures your child is moving towards feeling more like themselves again.
“Children do not always have the words for their pain. Part of my role is to listen for what they cannot yet say.”
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Although it is sometimes overlooked, children and even young children can experience low mood and depression. It often shows through irritability, behaviour and physical symptoms rather than simply looking “sad”.
All children worry at times. It becomes a concern when the worry is persistent, out of proportion, or starts to interfere with everyday life — school, friendships, sleep or family routines. An assessment can help clarify this.
Not necessarily. Many children improve with therapeutic and family-based support. Where medication may help, it is considered carefully and only ever discussed openly with you first.
Often the best results come from a team approach. Dr Ramsundhar works alongside psychologists, providing medical assessment and oversight while coordinating the right therapeutic support.
A great deal — from creating predictable routines to validating feelings and modelling calm. Dr Ramsundhar will give you practical, tailored guidance suited to your child and your family.