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See Also:
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Depressive Disorders
Children with depression may have symptoms that are different from
adults. A depressed child can be sad and have the usual adult
symptoms of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness; however, they
are often irritable, impossible to please, and moody, swinging from
great sadness to sudden anger. All children feel sad sometimes but
some children are unhappy beyond the range of normal sadness.
Children with depressive disorders have symptoms constantly for at least
two weeks to such a degree that it interferes with their lives.
Children with depression can actually be happy at times, but when they
are sad, they are very sad. Depressed children have trouble paying
attention, feel tired, feel mad, cry, stay in their room, stop
participating in favorite activities, think about death, or do risky
things and do not understand why. Teens often exhibit symptoms
similar to those found in adults. Depressed teens may abuse
alcohol or other drugs as a way to feel better. Children who are
depressed can’t “just snap out of it” and are not being weak. They
are at risk for suicide. They may think suicide is the only way
out of the pain that they feel. Any child who talks about suicide
or death should be taken seriously and professional assistance sought.
Early diagnosis and medical treatment are critical for depressed
children. Major
Depression
Major depression is one of the mental, emotional, and behavior disorders
that can appear during childhood and adolescence. This type of
depression affects a young person's thoughts, feelings, behavior, and
body. Major depression in children and adolescents is serious; it
is more than "the blues." Depression can lead to school failure,
alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide.
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