Although uncommon, children as young as three years old can develop depression. The causes of depression in children can range from trauma and neglect to a big life change to losing a loved one. Recognizing the signs of depression in children can help you determine when your child needs help.
9 Possible Signs of Depression in Children
Signs of depression in children are similar to symptoms we see in adults. However, children can be more challenging to diagnose due to their age and varying maturity levels. Symptoms like mood swings are common in children as they transition through puberty and can be missed as a depression symptom.
Take all the signs of depression in children under consideration and pay close attention to your child. If something feels off, it may be. Contact a mental health professional at Texas Christian Counseling, Keller for a screening and assessment.
Sadness
Sadness is the hallmark sign of depression for children and adults. It is okay to feel down at appropriate times, such as when the team loses a game, a friend doesn’t want to play, or due to the loss of a loved one or a pet. Chronic sadness, however, can come over like a dark cloud. It may be an extension of loss, grief, trauma, neglect, or abandonment.
Irritability
Irritability, anger, and mood swings are common in children with depression. They may mask their sadness with these emotions by lashing out at parents, grandparents, siblings, and teachers. This can be hard to diagnose if the child is a preteen or adolescent, as hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings.
Appetite Changes
A child struggling with depression may lose their appetite or feel hungry all the time. They may eat when they are not hungry as a coping mechanism to temporarily feel better. You may see rapid weight loss or gain. If you suspect your child has developed an eating disorder, such as vomiting after a meal, starvation, using laxatives and diuretics, or engaging in bingeing and purging behaviors, seek help right away.
Sleep Changes
Depression can cause a child to feel fatigued. They may sleep longer than necessary or sleep very little. They may have trouble falling or staying asleep. During this time, they may turn to devices like gaming consoles, computers, tablets, or phones to escape. However, the blue light emitted from these devices interferes with the sleep cycle, worsening symptoms.
Behavioral Problems
Children with depression may lash out, become argumentative, or start fights. Even quiet children can develop a “chip on the shoulder” and go on the offensive. Behavioral problems tend to crop up because the child does not know how to feel better. They may not understand why they feel sad, empty, or angry. They take their frustrations out on others, getting into trouble at school and causing problems in friendships.
Isolation
Isolation is another common sign of depression. Pulling away from social gatherings and functions is another coping mechanism. The child may find it challenging to relate to their peers or feel embarrassed around others. They withdraw, preferring to stay at home or in their bedroom. The problem with isolation is that it can lead to deeper depression.
Academic Issues
Children with depression lose interest in hobbies and interests they once enjoyed. They also lose motivation in academics. Teens close to graduation can develop depression and lose all interest in completing their credits on time for graduation. Grades can drop, and attendance may become an issue.
Self-Harm
One of the obvious things you might notice if your child is struggling with depression is self-harm. The child may cut or burn their skin, typically the arms, legs, hands, or feet. Some children hide their behavior by injuring themselves in places their parents cannot readily see. If your child self-harms, seek help immediately.
Suicidal Ideation
If your child makes remarks about suicide or death, take it seriously. Sometimes, children will joke about it, but in reality, these thoughts have been on their minds for a while. Let your child know they are always welcome to come to you with problems. If your child expresses suicidal ideation, get help immediately from a medical or mental health professional.
Christian Counseling for Children in Keller, Texas
The signs of depression in children can vary, and not every child experiences all the symptoms. If your child is showing signs of childhood depression for more than two weeks, seek help from a Christian counselor in Keller, Texas.
Treatments are dependent on the severity of symptoms and your child’s age. Your child may receive treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), talk therapy, or family therapy. Your counselor may take several psychological approaches to help your child manage symptoms and get back to feeling like himself.
Contact our office at Texas Christian Counseling, Keller to schedule an assessment and discuss treatment options.
Photo:
“Dead Flowers”, Courtesy of Annie Spratt, Unsplash.com, Unsplash+ License
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Melissa Plantz: AuthorMelissa Plantz is a Christian author and freelance writer. She spent twenty years in the pharmacy industry and has specialized in faith, fitness, nutrition, geriatrics, and mental health since 2015. She writes from the beautiful Lake Marion area in S...
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