Depression occurs in patients of all ages, including children. Typically, about 10 to 15 percent of children experience depression, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Depression may impact a child's personality, ability to interact with friends, school achievement level and family relationships and may lead to substance abuse and suicide. Children may lack the skills needed to obtain help for the way they are feeling. However, noticeable signs of depression in children may be spotted by parents, doctors, teachers and relatives.
Avoidance of School
When a child is experiencing depression, attending school may be a tedious chore he tries to avoid. Depression saps children of energy and of the desire to interact with their friends at school.
Stopping Participation in Activities
If a child wants to stop participating in activities she previously enjoyed, this may be a symptom of depression. Children who withdraw from fun events may be clearly signaling a bout of depression has arrived.
Acting Out in School
The appearance of bad behavior at school in a child who mostly behaves well normally is a sign of depression. Kids who are depressed will often try to indicate their bad mood at school via disruptive behavior. This symptom may be a cry for help from a depressed child who does not understand why he feels so different lately.
Moody Tantrums and Isolation
Mood swings and loud tantrums of shouting or abusive language may indicate a child is experiencing depression. Children who are depressed push other people away with their anger. They want to be alone. Their don't use socialization skills and seek isolation.
Change in Sleep and Eating Habits
Changes in dietary habits or sleep patterns may be a sign of depression in a child. Kids who sleep too much or not enough may be struggling with depression. Also, children may make noticeable changes to the way they eat when depressed. They may eat too much, or they may limit the amount of food they eat.
Body Aches
Ongoing body aches that do not respond to rest may be a sign of depression. The body may experience depression as much as the mind. Children may complain of body stiffness or pain even though there is no physical reason for the pain.
Negativity and Sullen Attitude
A child who is displaying a negative, bleak mood and appears to have a sullen look or attitude may be showing symptoms of depression. Depression saps joy from a child's personality. Children normally laugh a lot and show happiness. If instead they are making negative comments, they may have depression.
Hanging on Parents
Children who increase how they hang on or near parents may be experiencing symptoms of depression. The fears a depressed child may have makes her have an emotional need to be close to a parent. Depression may cause a loss of independence and curiosity in children.
Teachers Comment About Change in Behavior or Personality
If teachers notice a child's behavior or personality has changed recently, they may discuss depression with the child's parents, notes the National Institute of Mental Health. They may notice signs of depression that when analyzed together may give a clear profile of a child who is experiencing a mood disorder.
Crying Jags Increase
If a child has more dramatic crying spells than normal, this may be a sign of depression. Emotions experienced while depressed may be overwhelming to a child. Her crying may actually be a sign that her mind and body are just not feeling right.
Talk or Thoughts of Suicide
Children do have thoughts of suicide, and they do speak out about them. This may be a sign of depression.
