Depression in Children: Symptoms and Causes

Yes, kids can be depressed. Depression in children is persistent, and it can interfere with everyday activities, such as schoolwork, sports, social activities, and family life.

Symptoms of Depression in Kids
As a parent, it can be easy to overlook your child’s depression. Your child may not perform well at school or show no interest in something they previously loved, like a dance. Kids can be happy and chipper one day, and irritable and angry the next day.
The signs of depression can seem a lot like a moody teenager or a kid growing and changing.
If you think your child may be depressed, you’ll want to look for the following symptoms:

• Anger
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Sleeping too much
• Sleeping too little
• Random outbursts
• Crying fits
• Withdrawal
• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity

Children may show less interest in spending time with friends or engaging in activities that were previously enjoyed. The child may also fall into a severe depression where appetite changes, grades start to suffer, and there may be thoughts of suicide.
Every child will react to depression differently.
You may notice some of the symptoms above, or the child may hide it well. Some children can deal with depression well, but most will start exhibiting changes.
Even children under the age of 12 attempt suicide, although it’s rare.

Diagnosing depression or other disorders will often require a medical diagnosis. Typically, the disorder will be diagnosed as one of the following:

• Major depression, or an episode of depression that has lasted two or more weeks.
• Chronic depression, a condition that develops slowly and lasts for two or more years.
• Seasonal affective disorder, SAD, is a condition that occurs due to lack of sun exposure and is common during the winter months.

Causes of Depression
Depression can occur for several reasons, but the most serious cases include kids who come from a background of:

• Drug or alcohol abuse in the home
• Violence in the home
• Abuse, both physical and mental
• Sexual abuse

The same reasons that lead to adult depression lead to child depression. Kids can be depressed because of family history, biochemical disturbances, physical health, life events, stress or their environment.
Depression impacts girls who are 16 and boys who are under 10 the most.
The National Alliance on Mental Illnesses provides significant resources for Los Angeles residents and their children who have a mental illness. You’ll find:

• Crisis support
• Helplines
• Counseling

Depression can be overcome, but it requires parents to identify and take steps to help their children. Seeking professional help rather than allowing the issue to escalate can mean the difference between depression and chronic depression.
Treatment may include a multi-pronged approach, including counseling and medication. Psychotherapy is often the first course of action, and if the depression doesn’t subside, the doctor may recommend an antidepressant.
Depression occurs at a younger age, and it can reoccur numerous times throughout a person’s life. However, treatment at a young age can help children learn to overcome their depression today and in the future.

You can also find more trusted local services in your community at www.boyleheighstresources.org or download the Boyle Heights Resources app.