Learning to Recognize the Symptoms of Clinical Depression

According to the CDC, as many as 80 percent of individuals suffering from some degree of depression do not receive treatment. Part of this is because we live in a world where seeking help for emotional problems can be perceived as weak or dependent. Many children or teenagers coping with depression feel too ashamed to approach someone else for help.

In addition, many people tend to dismiss children’s and adolescents’ emotions as being somehow less deeply rooted than an adult’s. Far too often, a consistently sad child is seen as being “difficult” and a moody teenager is perceived as “going through a phase.”

Everyone has bad days; kids are no exception. However, when you notice that those bad days seem to be stretching into weeks or months, it may be time to take action.

Childhood depression can claim and ruin lives. It is important to remember that no matter what your child’s age, their feelings are real, valid and worthy of attention.

If your teenager is exhibiting the following signs, it’s time to take note and pay attention:

• Unexplained exhaustion or listlessness
• Change in sleeping patterns or sleeping too much or too little
• Unexplained changes in appetite
• Significant weight gain or loss
• Declining performance in school
• Restlessness or an inability to remain still
• Risky, dangerous behavior
• Loss of interest in favorite activities or hobbies
• Sudden change in friend groups or lack of interest in socializing
• Neglected personal appearance or lack of interest in personal grooming
• Abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs

Although depression can also manifest in younger children, the signs can sometimes be harder to detect. Again, if your child no longer shows interest in things that they used to love, if they are crying often or they seem apathetic, don’t ignore this.
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