Can Kids Be Depressed?
As adults, sometimes we can be guilty of viewing children in emotionally-simple categories.
Usually, we assign these categories as:
happy (My child is content) or mad (My child is upset they are not getting their way).
This is probably because these are the easiest emotional categories to recognize - they are accompanied by obvious behavior.
However, just like adults, kids have their own an internal world, which can sometimes involve difficult feelings like depression.
So what are some key features to look for in children when watching for depression?
Irritable Behavior/Angry Mood: Kids are more likely to show depression through an angry mood or irritable behavior. For young children, this is, at times, related to the differences in the way they process information. Young children, for example, are incapable of thinking of things that might depress an adult in an abstract manner (e.g., an adult being depressed by the seeming meaninglessness of life).
Sleep Patterns: Kids may show changes in their sleep that are related to their mood. For example, a teenager might nap for hours on end, or a school-age child may struggle to fall asleep or hardly be able to get any sleep during the night.
Changes in Eating: Kids may show changes in their appetite or how much they eat. For example, a child may complain of not being hungry or regularly decline eating. A teenager might consistently eat too much - even more than a teenager going through a growth spurt.
Because these symptoms sometimes present for different psychological or even physical reasons, it is important to consult with a mental health specialist to determine if these signs point toward depression or whether any other steps should be taken to support your child.
At Weaver Counseling and Assessment Services, LLC we can help determine if your child might benefit from counseling services to address depression. Call (330) 492 - 8383 to learn more about services offered.
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