Depression is a serious condition.
Unfortunately, it isn’t rare, even among children.
Mental Health America reports that, in 2017, 11% of children ages 12-17 had at least one episode of Major Depression. And many more children suffer from symptoms that don’t reach the level of clinical diagnosis.
Knowing this, how can parents protect their children? For one thing, catching the problem early helps.
How can you know? Here are seven signs that your child is suffering from depression.
1. Loss of Interest in Activities
Children’s interests do change. However, it’s worrisome if a child loses interest in all activities.
If they don’t like what they used to, then have they replaced that with new interests? If not, there may be cause for concern.
2. Lack of Desire to Spend Time with Others
Your child used to have a lot of friends, but now they don’t want to see them. Alternatively, they had just a few close friends, and now they’re avoiding them. And they don’t want to spend time with family, either.
If your child makes excuses to avoid being with others, it could be a symptom of depression.
3. Increased Aggression and Outbursts
Are teachers reporting your child’s constant outbursts? Have they been in fights at school? Or have you noticed explosive tantrums at home? For example, if your child has suddenly started punching holes in walls, there’s probably an underlying problem.
Of course, outbursts might not always come in the form of aggression. If your child has increasing tantrums or cries frequently, these are also signs. Similarly, if your child begins using drugs or alcohol, then this might be a depression symptom.
4. Grades Have Declined Rapidly
Sometimes there is another explanation for poor grades. For example, if your child is taking a new class, then the material could be challenging. On the other hand, if grades are slipping across the board and there isn’t a clear reason, then it might be depression.
One specific symptom of depression is an inability to concentrate. This, too, can lead to problems in the classroom.
5. A Change in Weight
It is important to pay attention when a child suddenly gains or loses significant amounts of weight. There may be a physical health issue that needs to be addressed.
But it can also be a symptom of depression. Don’t count that out.
6. Physical Complaints with No Clear Cause
Weight changes aren’t the only body issue to look out for. Depression often manifests in physical ways. Children with depression may experience frequent headaches, stomach pain, and body aches. As with weight changes, you should rule out physical illness, then consider mental health as a possible cause.
Also, fatigue is a common complaint in depression. Yes, children need a lot of sleep when they’re growing. However, a healthy child shouldn’t be tired all of the time. Fatigue is a symptom of depression. Being tired may also be caused by insomnia, which is another symptom of depression.
7. Expression of Disconcerting Emotions
Your child may come to you with overwhelming thoughts and feelings. Some of the things your child might express include:
- Hopelessness about the world in general or their future specifically
- Worthlessness or a sense of not being “good enough”
- Feelings of guilt, with or without an explanation
- Thoughts about suicide and death
These expressions can all be very frightening for a parent to hear. However, it’s a positive thing that your child is opening up to you. Listen to them. Notice if there are symptoms of depression, especially if they persist for more than a few days without a break.
Above all, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You and your child are not alone. Depression is unfortunately common among children today. The good news is that there is help available.
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