All children can feel sad or have a bad day once in a while. However, when these feelings persist and begin to interfere with a child’s ability to function in daily life, depression may be the source. It is estimated that 2.5% of children in the U.S. suffer from depression.
Signs and symptoms of depression in children:
Like depression in adults, the illness has the following symptoms in a child:
-
Hopelessness
-
Excessive guilt
-
Suicidal thoughts or ideation
-
Loss of energy
-
Helplessness
-
Fatigue
-
Increase or decrease in sleep patterns
