Is my child experiencing depression?

One of the questions that parents frequently ask is “Is my child depressed’?   Children, just like their parents have ‘down’ days.  It might be that they have had a hard day at school, fallen out with a best friend or are simply trying to adjust to a new situation.   Parents often panic when their child appears low and often wonder if he or she is beginning to display symptoms of depression.

Younger children do not always present as being depressed. Often they internalise their distress and act it out in a behavioural or physical manner. It is often difficult for parents, carers and teachers to spot the signs of depression in a child.

Below are the most frequent symptoms seen in younger children.

Older children and adolescents are more likely to present in a similar way to adults.

1. Depressed children do not always look depressed

2. Sleep changes

3. Appetite changes

4. Irregularity of bowel habits

5. School problems

6. Prolonged negative reaction to crisis

7. Loss of interest in usual activities

8. Change of friends and social behaviour

9. Expressing helplessness

10. Physical symptoms

If your child is displaying these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if there is more than one symptom it is time to consult your GP or child psychologist. Sheehan Brooke Psychology hold a free parenting clinic each Monday where advice is readily available. 01243 775055.