1. Kids Have a Different Set of Red Flags
If a child or teenager is suffering from depression, often he displays different symptoms from classic adult depression. Look for signs in children that include a major change in school performance or persistent boredom. A child that cries easily when he never before has is one of the signs of depression. Loss of interest in toys and physical conditions like stomach or headaches are more symptoms. Teenagers more often show signs of depression in ways like risk-taking, substance abuse, promiscuity and school truancy.
2. Aches and Pains That Come With Age
Older people can exhibit depression symptoms in different ways than the classic symptoms. The elderly suffering from depression often has physical pain with an unexplained cause. They might complain of a stomach ache, chronic headaches or muscle pain. Depression may have an effect on the older person's memory and she will have a harder time concentrating and sustaining attention.
3. Fewer Zs Might Be a Sign of Depression
One of the most common signs and symptoms of depression is change in sleep habits. Most commonly for depressed adults, this means insomnia and the inability to sleep. Fatigue and low levels of energy are the obvious results. Those suffering from depression may also feel constant fatigue even if they are getting more than enough sleep. Another symptom of depression is lethargy, when a person doesn't ever want to get out of bed.
4. Keep an Eye on the Scale
Change in weight is a symptom of depression. Weight changes that are sudden, fast and unintentional should send alarms. Sudden weight changes are especially alarming in children, since children don't have the social pressures that adults deal with. Be cautious of weight gain or weight loss, since depression can cause over eating or loss of appetite.
5. No More Fun
A major depression symptom that is obvious in everyone from children to the elderly is loss of interest. If a person completely loses interest in one thing, it may just be a kick. Losing interest in everything is a sign of something serious. Many suffering from depression lose interest in everything from work, family, sex, eating, and health to hobbies. A child is fickle with toys, but a depressed child can lose interest in all toys, playing and laughing in general.
