It is an accepted fact that depression in children is generally under-diagnosed. This may be because especially younger children do not have the language to express how they are feeling, or they do not understand the feelings they are experiencing.

Untreated childhood depression puts the child at increased risk of depression in adulthood, therefore diagnosis and treatment is very important.

Classic signs of depression in children

Below are general symptoms but please note that symptoms vary from child to child.

    • Disturbed sleep
    • Loss of appetite
    • Social withdrawal
    • Increased sensitivity to rejection
    • Failure to thrive physically
    • Low energy
    • Inability to concentrate
    • Persistent depressed mood
    • Irritability
    • Agitation
    • Anxiety
    • Loss of interest in friends
    • Loss of interest in play
    • Negative thoughts
    • Self-harming
    • Feelings of worthlessness
    • Feelings of guilt
    • Episodes of emotional outbursts or crying
    • Physical complaints – classically tummy pains and headaches – that do not have physical grounds or do not respond to treatment.

Depression that underlies behaviour problems

Especially in younger children, depression can show itself in ways that one would never connect to clinical depression. Some children’s depression shows itself as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or behavioural problems. The behaviour or disorder then gets treatment, but the underlying depression is never addressed, escalating the problem.

Why adolescents are especially at risk

Suicide attempts are rare in depressed children younger than 10, but the risk increases as the child gets older. Timely diagnosis and treatment of depression in adolescents therefore is vital.

Signs that a depressed teen might be contemplating suicide may include talk of suicide, interest in negative or morbid themes, substance abuse, giving away of possessions, social isolation and extreme behaviours that put the child at risk.

What to do if you suspect depression in your child

Take the child for a medical check-up with your trusted family doctor to ensure that the symptoms you suspect for depression do not have another physical or illness cause.

Depression in children is generally treated with a regimen similar to that in adults – a combination of psychotherapy and medicines. Trust your doctor’s advice and afford your child the opportunity to make use of the therapies advised by your doctor.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day of you wanted to know more about depression in children.