Although depression is less common in children than in adults, about one in five young people will experience depression before they become adults.1 Young people with depression may have a hard time dealing with everyday activities and responsibilities. Depression can happen at any point in a child’s life, even when things seem to be going well.
There is a difference between sadness and depression. Sadness can last for 1 or more days and may make a person feel like crying. Depression is very different. It is more severe, lasts at least 2 weeks, and includes several symptoms.
Depression, which affects the whole body as well as feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, is not a personal weakness; it’s a mental health problem. It affects the way kids behave at home and at school, how they interact with others, and how they feel about themselves. However, depression is treatable, especially when it is diagnosed early.
People experience depression differently, and they may show different symptoms. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between typical teen behavior and this mental health problem. How do you know when something really is wrong? If your child is showing four or more of these symptoms for longer than 2 weeks, she* may be suffering from depression.
If you think your child might be suffering from depression, look for the signs2:
Physical |
Mental |
- A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns––either an increase or a decrease
- Frequent complaints of physical illness such as headaches and stomachaches
- Low energy
|
- Poor concentration
- Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior
- Difficulty making decisions
|
Emotional |
Behavioral |
- Frequent sadness, tearfulness, or crying
- Empty or hopeless feelings
- Feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, guilt
- Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
- Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
|
- Decreased interest in activities or inability to enjoy former favorite activities
- Persistent boredom
- Withdrawal from other children and adults
- Lack of communication with others
- Difficulty with relationships
- Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
- Talk of or efforts to run away from home
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Some of the risk factors include a family history of depression; extreme stress or sadness; use of alcohol or drugs; and difficulties in dealing with sexual orientation, a chronic illness, difficult relationships, financial problems, or any major unwelcome change.
Some people face depression once in a lifetime; others have it several times. Symptoms can be so severe that a person is unable to function as usual.
A less common type of depression, bipolar illness, has cycles of severe “lows” (symptoms of depression) and inappropriate “highs” (mania). Symptoms of mania include:
| Decreased need for sleep |
Disconnected and racing thoughts |
| Increased energy and activity |
Inability to make decisions |
| Increased talking and moving |
Flamboyant ideas |
| Poor judgment |
Inappropriate elation |
| Inappropriate social behavior |
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There are different types of depression that a person can experience, and several start during childhood or adolescence.
Major depression may occur several times in a person’s life. It gets in the way of working, studying, sleeping, eating, and enjoying fun activities. Major depression can occur for the first time during the teenage years.
Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression that can be long-lasting. It can keep a person from functioning well, feeling good, or experiencing joy. Dysthymia often starts during childhood or adolescence.
Bipolar disorder is the least common type of depression, also called manic-depressive illness. The disorder can occur anytime from childhood to old age. A person who is bipolar will have cycles of mood changes, alternating between mania, a severe high, to depression, a severe low. Mania affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that can cause embarrassment and problems.3
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Getting Help for Depression
You can help your child get the treatment he needs. If he is showing signs of depression or mania:
- Talk with him about how he is feeling.
- Keep the lines of communication open between the two of you.
- Take note of the behaviors or other symptoms that worry you.
- Monitor how long the behaviors have been going on, how often they occur, and how severe they seem to be.
Diagnosis involves a thorough checkup that includes both a complete physical exam and medical workup as well as a complete history of current and previous symptoms.
If you or your child is in suicidal crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK to talk to a suicide prevention and mental health services provider. |
Contact your family doctor, local mental health center, or county health offices for treatment options. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Mental Health Information Center at 1-800-789-2647 or visit SAMHSA’s http://www.mentalhealth.org/databases for help finding mental health services.
The best thing that you can do for a child who may have depression is to help her get treated as soon as possible. Never wait to get help in the hope that the mood will pass. Depression is a serious illness, but it is treatable. The most effective form of treatment may include both talking therapy and medication. A mental health professional can review treatment options with you to ensure the best care for your child.
* We refer to a child as "him" in some places and "her" in others. We do this for easier reading. All information applies to both boys and girls unless otherwise specified.
Sources
Additional Resources
Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, last referenced 4/19/2006.
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