Signs of Depression in Children and Teenagers

By ABCS RCM
 
Depression, as a mental health condition, is not something that is taken lightly. It is an inflection that impacts millions of people each year. In 2016, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 16.2 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode. Yet, depression also occurs in young people. This is why is crucial to know the signs of depression in children, adolescents and young adults.
 
General Information on Childhood Depression:
In recent years, childhood depression is increasingly seen as a serious mental health condition. In general, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADHD, behavior problems, issues, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children. For diagnoses of depression, 3.2% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 1.9 million) have diagnosed with the condition.
 
As a side note, these mental health conditions sometimes occur together. For example, 75 percent of children ages 3 to 17 years old with depression, also have anxiety disorders (73.8%). In the same age group, roughly 50 percent of these children with depression also experience behavior problems.
 
Some families may be reluctant to discuss mental health issues. This may still be a taboo topic that family members wish to avoid thinking about. However, it will greatly benefit their child if they have and open and honest discussion about mental illness. Maintaining a stigma against behavioral and mental health can be dangerous in the long-run.
 
Conditions like depression negatively impact young people’s lives in a variety of ways. Their ability to successfully carry out normal day-to-day activities is greatly curtailed. This is why it is essential parents, teachers and caregivers understand childhood depression and recognize the symptoms.
 
Recognizing the Signs of Depression:
Identifying the signs of depression in children is difficult. It is typical behavior in children to sometimes display mood swings. Temporary feelings of sadness should not be mistaken for clinical depression. Yet, due to the difficulty of separating signs of depression from the normal emotional and psychological change that accompanies childhood. Due to this fact, depression is sometimes undiagnosed and untreated in children and adolescents.
 
It is important to track the persistence of the sad feelings in children. Parents and caregivers should record the frequency and severity of any intense mood swings. This includes monitoring any event or situation that seems to trigger these symptoms in the child. If these feelings of sadness become persistent, or interferes with social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life; this could indicate that the child has a depressive illness.
 
Only trained and knowledgeable mental health provider with experience in this field can offer a diagnosis. There are actually many signs and symptoms of childhood depression. However, there are symptoms that adults can watch for in children and teenagers. Here are ten prevalent symptoms that could indicate depression in children:
 
[1] Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
[2] Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities.
[3] Increased sensitivity to rejection or criticism.
[4] Displays of irritability or anger.
[5] Changes in sleep and appetite.
[6] Frequent crying or temper tantrums.
[7] Difficulty concentrating, tiredness and low energy.
[8] Physical ailments that do not respond to treatment.
[9] Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
[10] Thoughts of death or suicide.
 
Not all children who are suffering from depression will display all of these symptoms. In reality, most children will have different symptoms at different times and situations. In general, it is best to seek professional help if children display any of these symptoms for more than two weeks.
 
It is fairly rare for children under the age of 12 to attempt suicide, but may do so impulsively when they are upset or angry. Children with depressive symptoms are at a greater risk for suicide. The same is true for children with a family history of violence, substance abuse or sexual abuse.
 
Concluding Thoughts:
With professional help from mental health professionals, adults can help children with depression lead better lives. But adults need to understand how to identify the disease. Children and adolescents are not simply miniature adults. They are physically and mentally developing at a rapid pace. This means that symptoms can intensify and lessen throughout the treatment process.
 
Parents may find that the depression appears cured, only to have a relapse of the depressive behavior occur in their child. Mental illness is complicated, so working through depression takes patients and will include relapses. However, with the proper treatment, time and love; children can be healthy and happy.
 
For additional information about childhood depression or other topics, please contact Providers For Healthy Living. As a behavioral & mental health practice, they have been providing experienced behavioral health services since 2011. Their direct phone number is 614-664-3595 or 419-605-9817.