Does this sound like your child?
You’ve noticed the spark dim in your child. They seem more withdrawn, irritable, or tired than usual. Maybe they don’t enjoy the things they once loved, or mornings have become a struggle just to get out the door. School, friendships, and family time all feel harder than they should.
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It’s not just “sadness.” Kids and teens with depression often struggle with:
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Low energy and constant fatigue
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Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
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Irritability and frequent frustration
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Social withdrawal or avoiding activities
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Big feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
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Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
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Frequent tearfulness or unexplained aches and pains
These challenges are rooted in brain differences (like how the prefrontal cortex and amygdala regulate mood) not in laziness, defiance, or lack of effort.
At PlayWorks, We Help Kids and Teens With Depression Thrive
Depression in kids doesn’t always look like sadness. It can show up as irritability, constant tiredness, or seeming ‘unmotivated.’ Some kids act angry or shut down when really they’re struggling with feelings of hopelessness.
At PlayWorks, therapy is designed with kids and teens in mind. We use developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed approaches to help young people manage depression in ways that actually stick.
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Through play-based therapy, kids and teens learn how to:
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Identify and express emotions in safe, healthy ways
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Build coping skills to manage sadness, guilt, and worry
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Strengthen problem-solving and resilience
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Improve social connections and reduce isolation
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Rebuild confidence and self-worth
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Find joy and motivation in everyday life
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No long lectures. No judgment. Just real tools for real kids.
Play therapy significantly reduces depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, helping improve self-esteem, emotional expression, and overall functioning.
- Based on findings from a 2017 meta-analysis of play therapy outcomes (Lin & Bratton, Journal of Counseling & Development)
Why is Play Based Therapy So Effective for Depression?
When kids are depressed, the brain’s reward system (especially areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) can become less active, making it harder to feel motivation or joy. Play therapy reactivates these brain pathways by boosting dopamine and serotonin, helping kids experience pleasure, connection, and hope again!
Because play is the natural language of children and teens. It gives them a safe space to express feelings they can’t always put into words. Play therapy helps regulate stress, activates positive emotions, and strengthens brain pathways involved in motivation and emotional balance.
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Research shows that engaging in play-based interventions supports healthier functioning in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system (areas often impacted by depression). When kids feel safe, seen, and engaged, their brains are more open to healing and growth.
Why Wilmington Parents Choose PlayWorks for Depression Support
We’re neuroscience-informed
Our therapists stay up to date with the latest brain research and use it to guide interventions that actually work for Depression.
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We make therapy playful and effective
From puppet shows to Pokémon, every session is tailored to your child’s age, interests, and needs, so they feel engaged, not embarrassed.
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We support YOU too
We offer parent check-ins, progress feedback, and practical strategies you can use at home (without adding to your plate).
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We honor the whole child
We don’t just reduce “symptoms”, we support emotional growth, identity development, and resilience for a lifetime.
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We’re inclusive and affirming
Our therapists are trained in LGBTQ+ affirming care, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
You’re Not Alone & It’s Not Too Late
Parenting a child with depression can feel overwhelming. But with the right support, kids can rediscover their joy, confidence, and resilience. At PlayWorks, therapy is child-first, family-focused, and designed to bring hope back to your home.​
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Together, we’ll help your child build the skills to thrive at home, at school, and in life.
We’re located in Wilmington, NC and work with children, teens, and families across the Cape Fear region. Schedule your free 20-minute parent consult or start the intake process here.