Five Signs of Depression in Children

Depression, along with other mental health disorders, is on the rise in every age group. However, psychologists have seen a recent spike in depression cases among children. Children who exhibit signs of depression may be overt or a parent may suspect signs of something wrong but may not be able to pinpoint the exact source. Some children may be verbal regarding their symptoms, but others may hide their symptoms because of embarrassment or shame.

If you’re seeing signs of depression in your child, you are not alone. If you suspect your child is depressed but are not sure here are five signs to watch out for:

Disinterest in activities

Depression leaves children with a lack of interest in doing the things they love the most. For example, a child who is normally busy with extracurricular activities may suddenly find they no longer want to do them. Additionally, children may want to stay in their room for long periods, watch TV, or other passive activities to help cope (or even mask) depression symptoms. Even with medication, children suffering from depression may still not want to do the things they once enjoyed.

Sleeping late

Similarly, children and teens who are suffering from depression may want to sleep late. Parents may find a child doesn’t want to get out of bed or sleep the day away. Parents should discourage a child from doing this. Rather, encourage the child to get up, move around, get some exercise, and take care of their physical body with nutrition and water.

Normally active children may only need eight hours of sleep. Teens may need 9 to 9 1/2 hours of sleep which is important for their development. Kids suffering from depression may find they want to sleep 14 to 16 hours a day and still be tired in the evening. Not only may this be a sign of depression, but it may also be a sign of another physical abnormality such as hypothyroidism or other disorder that may cause marked tiredness.

Difficulty with concentration/focus

Children with depression have difficulty concentrating or performing everyday tasks. Children may struggle to get through their work at school or even complete homework. They may find themselves easily distracted and go to their phone for social interaction rather than interacting with the students around them.

If your child is falling behind at school, contact the teacher and ask the teacher if he or she sees any abnormal behavior or changes in your child. A teacher who has your child for six hours a day may see symptoms more clearly than you. Enlist the help of a teacher to strategize solutions if this is the case.

Physical signs of depression

Not only does depression affect a person’s mental and emotional health but may affect their physical health, as well. A child may not see the connection between chronic headaches, neck, or backaches, and depression. However, chronic sadness can manifest this physical pain elsewhere in the body. This can also contribute to the marked tiredness mentioned above.

When a child is constantly having pain, seek the help of a professional and let them know your concerns. A professional may help diagnose the physical, but you may also be able to receive a referral to a professional who can address your child’s mental and emotional state.

Emotional signs of depression

Because depression affects a child’s emotional state, a parent may find a child manifesting different emotional changes. This may include mood swings, sudden outbursts of anger, or frequent quiet crying spells. Although this may also be in tandem with puberty or adolescence, any abnormal behavior for your child must be diagnosed.

Be careful not to dismiss a child’s difficult behavior or these emotional cues as simply “being a child.” Even when a child acts in inappropriate ways, it may be a sign of a deeper issue.

A parent who suspects signs of depression may become frightened or uncertain of their child’s future. Depression, if left unchecked, can also lead to suicidal tendencies and other potentially harmful behavior. If you notice any of these behaviors, seek the help and support you need right away. The longer you wait, the more difficult the depression may be to heal.

Don’t be afraid to take the help of counselors or prescribed medication if necessary. These may be some of the coping skills and strategies a child needs to get through depression (or even puberty) with ease. The counselors at Plano Christian Counseling can help. Contact us today for more information.