Depression doesn't just happen to adults stressed by day-to-day challenges. Kids get stressed too, and many struggle with depression. Around 5 percent of children experience forms of depression, states the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. For those experiencing depression, symptoms and signs may be vague or painfully obvious. Understanding some of the major signs of depression in a child should help alert a parent or caregiver to the situation, where talking to the child, or when necessary, seeking professional help, may aid a child in need to finding the help she needs to deal with anxiety, fear, grief or loneliness.
Withdrawl
A child experiencing depression may gradually withdraw from others, including school mates, team play and even playing at home in the backyard. Signs of such withdrawal may increase gradually, displaying a child that no longer enjoys playing to engaging in things he used to like, such as playing on his soccer team, with friends after school, or even on the school playground.
Emotional Outbursts
A depressed child may display unexpected outbursts of anger or hostility, warns the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Irritability, impatience, anger and difficulty interacting with others may become apparent, as will lack of communication when trying to discuss such issues.
Attitude
A child who was previously happy-go-lucky who now sulks alone and refuses to be drawn into family or social interaction may be dealing with depression, states FamilyDoctor.org. She may act like she doesn't care about herself or her family, friends or activities she used to enjoy. While every child and adult goes through periods where he might want to be alone for a while, a major sign of depression is when such isolation and withdrawal go on for weeks at a time.
Sleeping Habits
A child who is depressed may undergo a change in sleeping habits. While teenagers may want to sleep a lot, a depressed teenager may not want to get out of bed at all, regardless of the time of day. Other children may find it difficult to sleep at all, while others may wake up constantly during the night, when he used to sleep like a rock. A child or teen who does not want to get up in the morning, even on weekends, may be experiencing depression, states KidsHealth.org.
Lack of Motivation
Lack of motivation, disinterest and lack of energy are also common signs of depression, in both children and adults, says KidsHealth.org. Symptoms such as these that go on for more than a few days should be addressed by parents or caregivers to determine a cause. Poor grades, inability to concentrate, increased trouble at school or a general sense of apathy or pessimism should alert parents that something is going on that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
