Depression can have different symptoms depending on the age of the individual. The following behaviors and symptoms do not necessarily indicate the presence of depression, however, they may indicate a need for further evaluation and treatment.
Signs of Depression in Children:
- Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
- Hopelessness
- Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
- Persistent boredom; low energy
- Social isolation, poor communication
- Low self esteem and guilt
- Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
- Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
- Difficulty with relationships
- Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches
- Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
- Poor concentration
- A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
- Talk of or efforts to run away from home
- Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior
(from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
Signs of Depression in Teenagers:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Tearfulness or frequent crying
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Restlessness and agitation
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Irritable or angry moods
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Extreme sensitivity to criticism
- Withdrawing from some, but not all people
(From Helpguide.org)
Signs of Depression in Adults:
- Noticeable change of appetite, with either significant weight loss not attributable to dieting or weight gain.
- Noticeable change in sleeping patterns, such as fitful sleep, inability to sleep, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much.
- Loss of interest and pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed.
- Loss of energy, fatigue.
- Feelings of worthlessness.
- Persistent feelings of hopelessness.
- Feelings of inappropriate guilt.
- Inability to concentrate or think, indecisiveness.
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, wishing to die, or attempting suicide. (Note: People suffering this symptom should receive treatment immediately!)
- Melancholia (defined as overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief), accompanied by waking at least two hours earlier than normal in the morning, feeling more depressed in the morning, and moving significantly more slowly.
- Disturbed thinking, a symptom developed by some severely depressed persons. For example, severely depressed people sometimes have beliefs not based in reality about physical disease, sinfulness, or poverty.
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches.
