What Does Depression in Children Look Like?

Mental disorders affect people of all ages. However, in children, the signs and symptoms may appear differently. It can be challenging for parents to recognize if their child is just “going through a phase” since signs like anger or mood swings may be chalked up to adolescent hormonal changes. Childhood depression can be “disguised” by several behaviours, such as anger outbursts or rebellion. Therefore, there’s the need for parents to know the common warning signs of depression before dismissing uncharacteristic behaviours as a sign of normal adolescent development.

 Depression in children can be caused by various reasons, just like most mental disorders.  However, other factors may increase the risk of depression in children. According to research, the development of depression in children is because of genetic factors. Children who have a parent with depression are 3 times more likely to develop the disorder in their lifetime compared to the general population. Other risk factors of depression in children include financial difficulties,  traumatic life events, a dysfunctional home,  or bullying in school. Children with physical conditions and learning or cognitive challenges are also more likely to suffer from depression.

Children with depression experience the same symptoms that grownups with depression experience, but they may show them in a different way. Symptoms of depression can show in ways that might make your child seem to lazy or unmotivated. For instance, depression mostly causes people to have a feeling of fatigue, so if your child is usually “too tired” to do their assignments or other tasks, try not to assume they’re just procrastinating or they’ve become lazy. Look for other symptoms of depression, such as:​

• Irritability or anger.
• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
• Frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches.
• Social withdrawal.
• Low self-esteem
• Drug abuse
• Excessive sleep or lack of sleep
• Sudden drop of grades
• Sluggishness
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
• Feeling overwhelmed.
• Vocal outbursts and crying.
• Not enjoying activities they used to like.
• Not functioning as well in daily activities, like going to school.
• Changes in appetite.
• Thoughts of death and suicide.

If you’ve noticed that your child has displayed any of the symptoms mentioned above for at least two weeks,  it’s important to schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor. While there are no specific tests to diagnose depression, your doctor can rule out other potential causes for your child’s symptoms and use tools like questionnaires to clearly understan your child’s condition. Your doctor will probably do a complete physical check-up during the appointment and may ask to have an alone session with your child.

​If your child is diagnosed with depression or a similar mood disorder, your child’s doctor will likely recommend several resources and treatment options for your child. Psychotherapy is a  recommendation for most children suffering from depression.  A well-qualified therapist can help your child understand their feelings and learn how to manage their symptoms. Your child’s doctor may also prescribe antidepressants since depression can easily be treated and managed with medication and therapy.

Although it’s a rare case, children under the age of 12 may try to commit suicide. Children may be at a higher risk of attempting suicide if they’ve experienced sexual or emotional abuse, violence, or a family history of alcoholism. Some red flags to look for suicidal behaviour in your child include:​

• Showing multiple depressive symptoms or an increase in symptom severity.
• Reckless or careless behaviour.
• Giving away their possessions.
• Either crying much more or becoming much less expressive.
• Social isolation.
• Talking or writing about death.
• Feeling hopeless for the future or worthless.

Besides using therapy and medication in treating depression,  family support can make a huge difference in your child’s mental health. Sine depressive symptoms may last for months,  your child might need to try different therapists and medications before finding the best fit. Know that there is no “quick fix” for depression or any other mental disorder, but you can help your child fight depression by:

• Maintaining healthy habits. Please give them a healthy diet, encourage your child to exercise regularly, and help them develop a daily sleep routine. Please encourage them to spend time with family and friends and limit the time they spend on the screen.

 

• Be empathetic. Your child’s depressive symptoms can be disturbing and full of frustrations at times. They can be easily upset, refuse to do their homework, or act out at school. Try to dig deep into the real reasons behind these behaviours and talk to your child about it as you work towards finding a solution.

 

• Help reduce stress. Children with depression can easily be overwhelmed. You can help them by dividing a problem into smaller steps, encourage them, and help them look at it from a different and positive perspective.

 

• Listen. Actively listen to your child, especially if they open up to you about their feelings of hopelessness or sadness. Let them know no matter how the symptoms of depression make them feel, you will always love and care for them. Make them feel you’re for them and not against them.

For more information and guidance, visit Dr. Syras Derksen or Oakville Wellness Center.

By:  Dr. Syras Derksen
Registered Psychologist