Very young children with depression usually show their distress through their behaviour because they aren’t able to talk about how they feel. In fact, if questioned, young children may deny their symptoms.
Older children may be able to say they feel sad but they may also experience physical symptoms – the body speaking for the mind – that can indicate a disorder that requires treatment.
As children move into the teen years, a certain degree of moodiness is to be expected. However, some teenagers can spiral down into serious depression if their symptoms are not noted and acted upon.
Although rare, young children are quite capable of making suicidal gestures that are consistent with their developmental stage (e.g. 4-year-olds may hold their breath thinking they will die). Depressed teens are at high risk for making suicide attempts and, very unfortunately, for suicide. In the U.S., suicide is the third leading cause of death of teenagers[1] so it is very important that parents, other caregivers, and teachers are aware of the significance of changes in the behaviour of children and adolescents.
The symptoms of depression can include:
- Frequent crying and weepiness
- Loss of interest in one’s usual activities, like team sports or school activities that were a source of pleasure in the past
- Difficulties with concentration and motivation
- Lack of energy
- Problems at school with declining marks
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Loss of appetite (or an increase in appetite)
- Either sleeping too much or too little (keeping in mind what was usual for the child or adolescent prior to the appearance of the other symptoms – teenagers can sleep a lot!)
- Irritability, which in the case of teens goes beyond what can be usual for them and can lead to aggression
- Neglect of personal hygiene and appearance
Symptoms of physical illness such as headaches in children and teens. Smaller children may experience stomachaches.[2]
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1. |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1999). Suicide deaths and rates per 100,000 [On-line]. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/ data/us9794/suic.htm |
| 2. |
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).1994. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. |
