Feeling Blue: Signs of Depression in Children

As adults, most of use are very aware of depression and what the signs are and even how to go about treating it and getting help. When it comes to our children many of us are blind to the fact they could be suffering from depression, even at a very young age. We tend to forget that they are in fact little people and have their emotions and feelings. Here is a look at depression in children, the signs of it and how it can be helped.

Just as adults will face different emotions and feelings when dealing with depression, so will children. Often though children will mask their depression by acting angry and even acting out in this anger. If a child has suddenly started acting very angry, irritable, or more frustrated than normal they may in fact be very sad on the inside and depressed. Other children may exhibit other typical signs of depression such as feeling very sad, crying, or being very clingy with a parent.

Children who are experiencing depression may also start to withdrawal from their family and friends. While they may have been content playing with their friends they now shy away and would rather be alone. Older kids and teenagers may spend a large amount of time in their bedrooms and refuse to talk to anyone including their friends or siblings.

Physical symptoms can also occur in children who are experiencing depression. Many children will complain of having stomach aches. Other kids may have frequent headaches. They may also start to have appetite changes. Some kids may eat less while others eat more finding emotional comfort in food.

Preteens and teenagers who are dealing with depression may even turn to alcohol and drugs. Parents of kids who are normally well behaved may be alarmed to discover their child has been experimenting with drinking and drugs. These are all signs of depression and a way of crying out to the parent for help.

Parents can help their children by recognizing these signs. The first step is to talk to the child. Parents should approach their child in a gentle way. Some kids may be afraid they are going to get in trouble or that their parents will be upset them. Parents may find there is an underlying cause for the depression such as their child is getting bullied at school or in a teenager they are dealing with a bad breakup.

Encourage your child to do an activity they enjoy. Spend some extra one on one time with them and see if you can get them to open up a bit and discuss why they are feeling so down lately.

Lastly, be sure to get them help. Many parents refuse to take their child to the doctor because of depression because they are embarrassed or feel as though they are a bad parent for their child having depression. Taking a child to the doctor for depression will help ensure they get the help they need and get on the path to overcoming their depression and leading a normal, healthy, happy life.

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-children