What are the symptoms of depression in children and adolescents?

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by low mood, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, and that lasts for more than two weeks.

Depression can affect all different age groups, including children and adolescents. Depression may be due to genetic factors, life events such as bullying or abuse, or some other underlying causes such as addiction.

Depression can also occur after the death of a loved one due to the grieving process.

The symptoms of depression in children and adolescents may include:

withdrawing from friends and family; changes in appetite; sleep distro

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that is characterized by feelings of sadness, low energy, and/or loss of pleasure or pleasure of activities; tiredness; problems sleeping; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or inability to concentrate;

loss of interest in activities; persistent thinking or talking about problems; loss of interest in things that were once pleasurable; persistent or excessive anger or irritability;

decreased interest or pleasure in eating; thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts; feeling helpless or hopeless;

feelings of confusion or agitation; feelings of helplessness or hopelessness What are the causes of depression?

Although some environmental factors are believed to play a role in the development of depression, the causes of depression remain unknown.

The symptoms of depression in children and adolescents

Depression in children and adolescents is a common and distressing problem. Common symptoms in children and adolescents include:

Being very sad all the time Being angry Feeling worthless or guilty Withdrawing from friends and family Fluctuating moods and difficultly getting along with others Having low self-esteem and becoming withdrawn Loss of interest in hobbies or activities previously enjoyed Suicidal ideation or attempts Children and adolescents can start to display the early symptoms of depression as early as three years old.

This is known as toddler depression. Depression in adolescents Adolescence is the time of life that changes the most as a person gets older.

Girls often show the symptoms of depression much earlier than boys. It may also begin during adolescence.

How can people recognize the symptoms of depression?

It can be difficult to recognize the signs of depression in a child or adolescent.

Symptoms such as irritability, crying for no apparent reason, and insomnia can be warning signs that a person may be suffering from depression.

Symptoms of depression may become more noticeable when combined with other behaviors such as anorexia; impulsivity; reduced self-esteem; a lack of energy; anxiety; and stoic features such as lowered facial expressions.

Takeaway While being physically active may help in preventing depression, mental health professionals recommend that people with depression seek medical treatment and professional help as soon as possible.

People with depression should understand that their feelings are temporary, and they can get help to improve their quality of life.

How should you react when someone has the symptoms of depression?

When you notice changes in your friend, it is important to respond accordingly.

Your friend may be unable to express their feelings verbally, so it is important to listen to their feelings by asking open-ended questions such as “Are you happy?” or “Are you having fun?” If your friend says that he or she is having problems at school, ask them what their classroom teacher is doing to make things easier for them. A loving and supportive friend is the best way to encourage your friend to speak up and ask for help.

Is it okay for children or adolescents to see a doctor for the symptoms of depression? No. Children and adolescents are not mentally or emotionally mature enough to understand depression and adult emotions.

It is important to seek professional help as soon as symptoms are noticed.

Conclusion

Although the risk of depression is higher in adolescents, anyone can get depressed, at any time, for any reason.

As with other illnesses, there are many risk factors which include genetics, mental, medical, and/or nutritional factors.