“Depression can often look different in kids than adults.
Knowing what to look for can help you identify symptoms of depression so you could seek help.
Low mood and loss of pleasure are often the two primary symptoms in adults with depression.
Kids are more likely to experience primary symptoms such as irritability and physical complaints.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Kids express and explain sadness differently than adults do.
Because kids often lack the words to describe their feelings, their behavior expresses what they cannot.
have a go at identify what your child is sad about and provide support.
If symptoms of sadness improve or disappear after just a few days, they are probably unrelated to depression.
They may cry a lot or tear up frequently for no obvious reason.
Feelings of sadness that last longer than two weeks are a reason to talk to your child’s pediatrician.
As children go throughpuberty, they naturally pull away from their families and start identifying more with peers.
This is an important developmental step that should not be confused with social withdrawal.
They may stop participating in class, social, and extracurricular activities.
This is different from a child with depression.
A depressed child has a hard time finding joy or excitement in anything.
Your child may be indifferent to almost everything.
Feeling Misunderstood
Every child will feel misunderstood at some point in time.
Academic Decline
Children may have academic highs and lows over time.
Remember that during times of transition to middle school or high school, course work may become more challenging.
A depressed child may have a significant decline in grades.
This may be more apparent in a child who had been a high academic achiever in the past.
Guilt can also contribute to feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness.
Children who experience feelings of worthlessness typically think they are weak, inadequate, or flawed.
This can lead to impulsive and aggressive reactions.
Impulsive behaviors are quick reactions to events (usually negative) without regard for consequences.
Impulsive behaviors often, but do not always, lead to aggressive actions.
What Causes Depression in Kids
Childhood depression is a complex condition that has many causes.
A number of different factors can contribute to the onset of depression in kids.
Depression affects many children.
Talk to a health professional if your child shows such signs.
Provide Reassurance
Let your child know that depression is nothing to be ashamed of.
Depression is an illness just like the flu and getting the right treatment can help kids get better.
Encourage Your Child to Talk
Give your child the right to have these feelings.
How do you go about starting the conversation?
Children are more inclined to open up when doing something.
or “Is there anything you have on your mind?
I’ve noticed you’ve been (sad/anxious/quiet) lately.
Listen and be a source of support.
Your child learns coping skills by watching you.
Many parents struggle with understanding what their child is thinking and feeling.
Fortunately, there are many ways to find support and treatment.
“You should also reach out for support.
A school counselor or pediatrician can be a good place to start.”
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).Childhood Depression.
Health and Wellness Library.
Childrens Health.Signs Of Depression In Children And Adolescents.
Boyd R, Lewis J (ed).Major Depression In Children.
Families and Youth.Depression In Children And Teens.
Child Mind Institute.What Are Some Of The Causes Of Aggression In Children?.
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC).
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities,Data And Statistics On Childrens Mental Health.
New York: Springer Science & Business Media; 2014:275-345.
Serani D.Depression and Your Child.
Plymouth, United Kingdom: Rowman & Littlefield; 2013:94-114.
