How to Recognize the Signs of Depression in Children

It is not uncommon for children to be diagnosed with both depression and an anxiety disorder, or depression and general anxiety. It is important to recognize the signs of childhood depression and to distinguish them from normal developmental milestones and behaviors.

Children with depression may display these symptoms:

• Depressed or irritable mood
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Change in grades, getting into trouble at school, or refusing to go to school
• Change in eating habits
• Feeling angry or irritable
• Mood swings
• Feeling worthless or restless
• Frequent sadness or crying
• Withdrawing from friends and activities
• Loss of energy
• Low self-esteem
• Thoughts of death or suicide

When symptoms last for a short period of time, it may be a passing case of “the blues.” But if they last for more than two weeks and interfere with regular daily activities and family and school life, your child may have a depressive disorder.

Excerpted from “Anxiety and Depression in Children” from Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Read the full article about depression in children and treatment options on the Anxiety and Depression Association of America website.

ADAA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety and mood disorders, OCD, and PTSD and to improving the lives of all people who suffer from them through education, practice, and research.

Source: ADAA | Anxiety and Depression in Children, https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/children/anxiety-and-depression | © 2021 ADAA

Do you have concerns about your child? Care Coordinators can arrange a free 30 minute Care Consultation so you can explore options with an expert. We invite you to call or email our Care Coordinators at 650.688.3625 or careteam@chconline.org to set up an initial Parent Consultation appointment.