Symptoms
of Depression in Children
When you are a
parent, you will do just about anything to inspire happiness in
your child. From the time your child is born, you are delighted
with your child’s toothless grin and easy giggles. All emotions,
from happiness to anger to surprise, are a normal part of your child’s
existence. Sadness is normal emotion, too, for your child. However,
if feelings of sadness or unhappiness persist for your child in
a way that you feel is abnormal, you may be witnessing the symptoms
of depression in children.
Even though it
may hurt you to see sadness in your child, sadness is a typical
response to a negative experience such as loss or rejection. Feelings
of unhappiness, however, are not normal if they are out of proportion
with the event, or if the sadness persists for no apparent reason.
Parents should be aware of the symptoms of depression in children,
just in case they notice those symptoms in their own children or
other children they come into contact with. A list of the common
symptoms of depression in children is similar to depression in adults,
as follows:
- Crying and feeling helpless
or hopeless
- Feelings of overwhelming sadness,
worthlessness, and guilt
- Losing interest in activities
that normally brought pleasure such as sports, TV, video games,
and playing with friends
- Changes in appetite, whether
increased or decreased
- Significant weight changes
- Inability to sleep or sleeping
too much
- Lack of energy and low physical
activity
- Aggressive or antisocial behavior
- Suicidal thoughts and fantasies
- Bad temper and irritability
- Feelings of fear and anxiety
- Negative change in school
performance
- Complaints of physical pain
such as stomach aches, headaches, and muscle aches
Estimates show
that the symptoms of depression in children occur in 1 to 2 percent
of children from ages 1 to 6, and up to 12 percent of children from
ages 9 through adolescence. The medical community is not entirely
sure exactly what causes depression, but the symptoms of depression
in children may be linked to negative life experiences, personality
traits, genetics, underactive thyroid, imbalance in neurotransmitters,
and other medical conditions. The symptoms of depression in children
may also be classified into different types such as major depression,
separation anxiety, or adjustment disorder. Since the symptoms of
depression in children can have life-altering consequences for the
child and the family, depression is a condition that should always
be addressed seriously and immediately.
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