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:
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Hopelessness
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Excessive guilt
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Suicidal thoughts or ideation
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Loss of energy
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Helplessness
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Fatigue
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Increase or decrease in sleep patterns
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Persistent sadness and/or irritability
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Low self-esteem or feelings or worthlessness
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Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
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Change in appetite (either increase or decrease)
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Difficulty concentrating or inability to concentrate
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Anger and rage
- Headaches, stomachaches or other physical pains that seem to have no cause
- Changes in activity level. The child either becomes more lethargic or more hyperactive
Causes of depression in children
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Family history
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Stressful life events including losing a parent or going through divorce
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A abuse, neglect, or other trauma
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Having a chronic illness
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Having other mental health problems
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Smoking cigarettes, doing illicit drugs
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Break up of a romantic relationship
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Biological imbalance- serotonin and neuroepinephrine
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