Depression can impact individuals of all ages, including children. The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that adolescents are at a higher risk of depression than younger children. Children can develop depression due to stress, neglect or abuse. Signs of depression in children differ from those adults exhibit. Early signs of childhood depression vary for each individual, nearly any general sign of depression can be seen at onset of the condition.
Activities
Children with depression may lose interest in activities that are normally favorites suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. This can include playing with toys, playing games, or even spending time in social settings with friends. It is not uncommon for a child to experience a suppressed appetite as a result of depression.
Mood
Like adults, a child with depression will experience persistent sadness. OregonCounseling.org explains that this can be seen by caregivers when the child cries often, reports feeling hopeless, discouraged or worthless. Other recognizable mood changes include a bad temper, fear, tension and anxiety. Early in depression the child may also seem more irritable than usual, bored or have trouble concentrating. These symptoms may be misattributed to another concern, such as attention deficit disorder or other similar conditions. As the depression persists, additional symptoms are likely to appear that will make the depression more easily identified.
Fatigue
Depression can cause trouble sleeping, such as insomnia, and it can make a child tired more frequently. This can lead to a child having low energy. OregonCounseling.org suggests that a child may change sleep habits, such as going to bed earlier or later than usual.
Social Signs
Depression can cause a child to become withdrawn, or even rejected by peers, explains OregonCounseling.org. The child may have emotional outbursts that include complaining or yelling. School performance, such as grades, may get worse when depression occurs. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry suggests children may talk of wanting to run away from home or may discuss any efforts made to run away. In general, a child with depression may struggle with relationships with others, including peers and caregivers. Specifically, the child may have low self esteem, guilt or poor communication, suggests the AACAP.
Physical Complaints
Depression can cause physical discomforts that may seem unrelated. In children this can include frequent headaches, stomach aches or other pains in the body. These seem to have no identifiable cause and are often unresponsive to medication or treatment.
