Recognizing Depression in Children

The depression symptoms that are common to all age groups, children to adults, are:

• Persistent sadness and/or irritability
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Fatigue
• Change in appetite and/or sleep patterns
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms that might indicate depression in a child:

• Physical complaints that seem to have no cause
• Being isolated socially
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• School avoidance
• Reckless behavior
• Repeated emotional outbursts
• Being fearful or anxious

Please note that as with an adult, a child should display these symptoms for more than two weeks before depression is a consideration.

Books

Help Me, I'm Sad: Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Depression

Growing Up Sad: Childhood Depression and Its Treatment

Links

The Depressed Child

Depression in Children and Adolescents