Depression in children is very different from the normal "blues" that is common as children and adolescents grow up. But, just because your child seems sad or depressed doesn't mean that he is clinically depressed. When his symptoms are persistent and disruptive to the family environment it may indicate that there is a medical illness which requires professional attention. Depression is a serious illness but it also a treatable one.
Emotional Changes
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry there are specific effects of depression on children that should be warning signs to parents that the child may require professional help. The emotional changes that may be observed include frequent sadness, tearfulness or crying. However, emotional alterations are not limited to just overt sadness. Emotional reactions can also lead to anxiety, irritability, anger, hostility, feeling discouraged or worthless, and thoughts or expressions of suicide.
Behavioral Changes
Children can also exhibit effects of depression in their behaviors, both at home and at school. According to Oregon Counseling and Dr. Michael G. Conner, children may experience repeated rejection from other children; a drop in school performance; inability to sit still; pacing; and repeated complaints of physical pain, such as stomach aches, headaches, or pain in the legs or arms without any medical cause. Children who are depressed may also have changes in their sleeping habits, exhibit repeated outbursts, or a significant increase or decrease in appetite.
Social Behaviors
Emotional changes and behavioral differences will also be demonstrated in your child's social behaviors. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children may talk about or make efforts to run away from home, have frequent absences from school, withdraw from their friends, or show a decreased interest in activities they once previously enjoyed. Children will have difficulty with relationships with their peers and may not talk with other children in their class or their friends. Your child may also demonstrate extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure.
Suicide
According to the University of Michigan Depression Center one of the most serious outcomes of depression is suicide. The number of young children who commit suicide is lower than the number of adolescents, who have better access to a means of committing suicide. When depression is left untreated in children it can also lead to failure to achieve their academic potential, disruption in their relationships inside and outside the family, and self-harmful activities that can result in risk taking behaviors, drug use and sexual promiscuity.
Warnings
According to the University of Michigan, unlike most adults many children do not admit they are depressed. Without the additional emotional tools and wisdom that comes with age and development these children are even more at risk for significant negative consequences of their emotional upheaval. Attention to the behavior, emotions and social interactions of your children can help to identify any unusual behavior that may signify depression. According to Oregon Counseling and Dr. Michael G. Conner, early detection, diagnosis and treatment will improve the likelihood of success.
