Depression is on the rise among children and teenagers. Some symptoms of depression in children may be different from those in adults and may be difficult to recognize. This is because the way to explain or express one’s condition is still clumsy.
It is normal for children to experience emotional ups and downs. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, if you feel depressed for more than two weeks, it may indicate that you have depression. Missing signs of depression in childhood can delay diagnosis and treatment, causing emotional, behavioral, and academic setbacks in a child’s life.
7 signs that a child is suffering from depression, introduced in the US health information media ‘Everyday Health’.
1. You are more angry or irritable than usual
In some children, depressive symptoms appear in the form of sudden outbursts of anger. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for behavior that causes problems. Adults suffering from depression often show signs of feeling lonely or sad, while children may be angry or irritable. They may also begin to behave inappropriately or badly at home or at school, and they may experience major mood swings.
2. Not hanging out with friends
Similar to adults, children with depression may show behavioral changes, such as avoiding friends and activities they normally enjoy. This is often due to a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that you used to enjoy.
3. Changes in appetite
To see if your child is depressed, pay attention to any changes in appetite. According to Boston Children’s Hospital in the United States, continuing to eat more or less than usual and losing or gaining weight can be a sign of depression in children.
4. Your sleep pattern has changed
Sleeping more than usual or having insomnia are also potential signs of depression. According to a meta-analysis published in the JAMA Network Open, an international journal published by the American Medical Association, sleep problems are not only a potential symptom of depression in children, but also a risk factor for developing depression in the first place.
5. Academic performance has declined
Falling grades, especially among middle school and high school students, can also be a sign of depression. According to survey data released in the fall of 2022 by ‘YouthTruth,’ a non-profit organization specializing in student surveys, about 223,000 American teenage students cited depression, stress, and anxiety as the biggest barriers to learning.
6. You have unexplained pain
According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches can be symptoms of depression. Headaches can be particularly common among children with depression who are less aware of feelings of loneliness or sadness, says the Mayo Clinic in the US.
7. Talk about death
According to the Cleveland Clinic, talking about death can be a sign that you are thinking about suicide. It is a well-known fact that people with depression are more likely to think about death and are at increased risk of suicide. Other signs that a child may be thinking about suicide include an increase in self-injurious or risky, self-destructive behaviors, social withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness, and loss of their belongings for no logical reason. actions, etc.
2023-06-03 12:01:09
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