Symptoms of depression in children and teens?
Emotional symptoms
If your child or teen is depressed, they will likely experience:
- a general low mood
- irritability
- feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
Cognitive symptoms
A child or teen who experiences depression may:
- have generally negative or distorted thoughts about themselves or their environment
- think about self-harm or suicide
Behavioural symptoms
If a child or teen is depressed, they may change their behaviour or routine by:
- losing interest in or avoiding activities they previously enjoyed
- avoiding school
Physical symptoms
Depression can have a number of physical effects on a child or teen, including:
- low energy
- trouble with concentration
- decreased or increased appetite
- sleeping less or more than usual
- feeling physically slowed down
- feeling tense and restless
How children experience depression
Children may experience depression as an increase in irritability, for instance through more frequent temper tantrums and crying. They are also likely to start avoiding previously enjoyed activities.
Young children may not be able to express how they are thinking or feeling but may complain more often of vague physical complaints such as nausea or stomach aches. They might also experience a change in their appetite. Some children may voice thoughts of suicide or the wish to no longer be around.
How teens experience depression
The physical symptoms of depression are similar in teenagers and children. However, teens tend to have different cognitive and behavioural symptoms. For instance, teens with depression may express thoughts of
suicide more often than younger children. They may also become more withdrawn and choose to spend more time by themselves rather than attend school, spend time with friends or take part in extra-curricular activities (such as sports or hobbies). Some teens may also
self-harm as part of depression.
