07 Jul How Do You Know Your Child Is Experiencing Depression?

Depression in children is a typically a difficult subject to talk about but should be part of an open dialogue within the family. Generally, children are upbeat, optimistic, and have big dreams. What’s alarming is that 60% of children and teens with depression do not get the help they need!

During the summer there is no school to worry about and everyone appears to be happier. However, there may still be signs that your child could be suffering from depression, even if they seem a little better than when school was in session.

Symptoms of Depression in Children and Teenagers

• Poor Grades: How did school go this past year? One of the most common signs of depression in a child is poor academic performance. Depression can cause poor concentration, low energy and decreased motivation which all result in poor grades in school.

• Low Energy: Are they sluggish, tired, or easily fatigued? Depression affects sleep in children. Most depressed children experience a change in their sleep schedule. They also complain that they are tired, easily fatigued and feel sluggish.

• Irritability: Is their behavior a bit more difficult or oppositional? Irritability is common among people who suffer from depression but especially so in children and teens. The lack of sleep can also lead to increased annoyance. Observations such as a child always starting fights, becoming more defiant and appearing agitated are common among children with this medical condition.

• Change in Friends: Who is your new friend? You may also notice new friends whose behavior and even their appearance are a concern to you and out of character for your child. Children and teens suffering from depression have a pessimistic view on life and may turn to a bad crowd to fit their “view” on the world. Hanging out with the wrong friends can lead to self-medication in the form of drugs and alcohol.

• Social Withdrawal: Don’t you want to go out with your friends? When children and teens withdraw and don’t want to hang out with their friends anymore, it can be a concerning indicator of depression. Depression can cause tiredness and loss of interest and motivation which leads to this social withdrawal from people, activities, and hobbies they once enjoyed. “I just don’t feel like it” and “I just want to be by myself” are common phrases used when experiencing social withdrawal.

Depression is a treatable, medical condition. Now is the time to get depression diagnosed and under control before school starts again. If you see any of these signs in your child, call the Institute for Advanced Medical Research at 770-817-9200 to learn more about our child and teen depression treatment options.