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.
