How can you tell if your child is sad, going through a phase or depressed?  If your child has shown an increase in difficulty at home or school, is going through a life changing event (like a divorce) or has had sadness that has lasted more than two weeks you will want to review these symptoms of depression. Symptoms of depression in children include:  

  • Irritability or anger
  • Continuous feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Social withdrawal
  • Increased sensitivity to rejection
  • Changes in appetite -  either increased or decreased
  • Changes in sleep- sleeplessness or excessive sleep
  • Vocal outbursts or crying
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Physical complaints (such as stomachaches, headaches) that do not respond to treatment.
  • Loss of interest in activities they had enjoyed
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Thoughts of death or suicide.

Children won’t display all these symptoms or may not display them in all settings.  If you have concerns about your child contact a healthcare provider for further assessment.     

Learn more about Depression