When children and adolescents remain sad and down for extended periods of time and when their moods begin to affect their normal day-to-day activities, they may be suffering from a medical illness called depression, report doctors at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology. By knowing the signs and symptoms of childhood depression, parents and educators can get help for kids before they incur serious complications.
Crying
Depressed children often are tearful and cry for extended lengths of time and cannot be consoled.
Boredom
Children with depression often express boredom and refuse to partake in activities generally considered fun. They don't enjoy games and other things that used to hold their interest. They often prefer to isolate rather than socialize.
Sensitivity
One of the signs of depression in children is hypersensitivity to guilt and feelings of rejection. They do not take failure well and appear to have low self-esteem.
Self-hatred
Any child who talks about suicide should be taken seriously and checked for depression. Self-destructive behavior such as self-mutilation or substance abuse often is a sign of depression.
Changes
Sudden changes in eating or sleeping habits can indicate depression.
Sickness
Children with depression often are sick and show symptoms of illnesses such as abdominal pains or headaches.
