Depression in Children – Digging into the Symptoms

The fact that a child feels lonely or irritated that doesn’t mean he or she has childhood depression. Depression is different from the everyday blues that most of the kids develop at different times growing up.


Depression in children is a persistent feeling of sadness, and when it occurs, the child feels alone, hopeless, and worthless. When this kind of sadness is unending and disrupts every part of a child’s life, from daily activities and schoolwork to friendships, it could be depression. Along with the child’s life, depression also affects the life of every family member.

Distinguishing between normal behavior and true symptoms of depression in children is not always easy. Here are some of the symptoms that you should look for to detect depression in children.
  1. Anger or irritability
    Though it is a very common symptom of sadness or depressed mood in a child, they can also externalize responses, such as frequent temper outburst and aggressive behavior. Depression in younger children is more noticeable if they reach out emotionally or are very moody than if they internalize their feelings.
  2. Low self-esteem
    A common symptom of depression in people is experiencing negative thoughts about themselves, about others, or about the coming future. Like adults, kids may also show a lack of self-esteem and feeling of worthlessness. Children with depression often feel like they cannot do anything right, or many times, they hesitate to participate in normal activities.
  3. Changes in sleep pattern
    Watch for signs in their sleep pattern, like the child sleeping too little or much and taking long naps regularly. They might also show signs of loss of energy and noticeable fatigue.
    Tip: Be aware that lack of sleep can make depression symptoms worse.
  4. Cognitive Changes
    Another warning sign is if your child is having trouble in school. They might exhibit difficulty concentrating or thinking problems through to the end. This might not be ADHD but warning signs of depression. You will start noticing an overall decline in academic performance, and it is wise to talk to your child’s teacher to see if they have also noticed any changes in behavior, mood, or schoolwork. 
  5. Weight loss/gain
    Another sign is weight loss or weight gain in children. If your child is eating much more than the usual or consistently not eating enough, then this could be a sign of something deeper.

Help your Child

According to the balancedmind.org, certain things can help your child and improve their mental state. These include
  1. Early diagnosis and treatment
  2. Medical care
  3. Adherence to prescribed medication
  4. Low-stress environment at home and school
  5. A supportive network that includes family and friends

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