Depression Symptoms in Children & Teens | Child Psychology

While the symptoms of clinical depression in adults might be quite obvious, it's very different in children. Children who are depressed are often irritable, grouchy, moody, have difficulty with their peer relationships. They don't enjoy things that they usually would be very excited about. Sometimes they'll be isolated and seem to be withdrawn from family and their peers. Children who are depressed may not perform as well in school. There may be a decline in grades, or teachers may comment that they're struggling to stay focused and pay attention. Other things include them having poor performance in sports or other extracurricular activities where they once performed very well.

It's very easy, sometimes, for parents and other adults to overlook some of these signs and symptoms because it's commonly said, "Oh, well. This is adolescence, and this is teenage years." However, if these signs and symptoms carry on for several months, it's important to get clinical intervention. Contact your pediatrician, or school counselor or community professional to find a good clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for your child. So it's very important to pay attention to these signs and symptoms of childhood clinical depression.

[imyourhuckleberry]

It's what my parents say all the time. " oh it's just the teenage years."

It's been going on for years.

[reganmarie]

I'm a teen who's parents are honestly thinking its a phase. I don't think it is. I don't know if I have depression. I can't sleep. I cry for no reason. I feel overwhelming sadness and dread. What is this? It's been going on for a while, and I don't even know who I am anymore.

[makennahenderson]

My parents are like "It's just what teenagers do". It's been going on forever. I don't go out I have less than 2 friends and I have all these effects

[merveturkmen]

My patents care more about my grades the. About me. I feel sad and sick all the time. I cry for no reason. School is slowly taking over my life. I guess iam depressed...

[svr]

omg my parents keep thinking it is just teen years i have it like for months so im so dead

[goldwildflower]

I cry at night because I think "I can never make a difference in the world, why am I here anyways?" "Why just end my life here? So I don't have to suffer through life?"

[miapillsbury]

I'm always isolated from my family but my school grades are good

[mitzelsdame]

I cry myself to sleep sometimes and no one listened

[zoetines]

I basically have all these and I'm 10.

[buttersquids]

I dont trust any of the adults at my school because they are far too strict, and I seriously hate them

[ventoastrr]

School is a flood of emotions.
Home is not a safe place anymore.
I'm not safe.
I'm *broken.*
And still it's "just a phase".

[obiitov]

Okay is this Depression or Anxiety.I have a fear of talking to classes and even small groups, I feel lonely 95% of the time.I barely put in effort to do simple things like Wash the dishes, feed my dog, walk to school because I want to stay home and and just keep my self isolated.I hate talking and I'm very shy with everyone.I can also sense things that aren't even there and I can hear voices that whisper random things. I don't even know anymore, my life is just a huge mess.

[josiruiz]

Im 11 I been depressed ever sense I was 5 for so many reasons such as bullying, parent issues, my aunt calling me fat and more. I want to tell my mother but I feel like my mother had a bad life already and don't want to be a struggle

[pillowbull]

I grew up with depression and one day I told my parents I think I have it. but they say it doesn't exist and I was just being too emotional. so...it was not treated until now after 10 years

[PunJun]

I'm 14 and I have depression and other stuff like sociophobia and I have gotten help it haven't helped but still when I should be crying and isolated I try to smile around others so nobody wouldn't notice don't do it it has caused that I can't speak to others cause I'm smiling and that I spend most of my time in my room

[lifelessdan]

Wish my parents would watch this because im too scared to tell them

[wrightda]

To the teens who posted below and said you felt depressed but are hesitant to tell your parents out of fear that they will not believe you. First thing I'd say You never know. The second thing I would say is, what is stopping you for asking for help from a professional? I am a licensed psychotherapist in Virginia and see many teens and young adults in my practice. I can say that in Virginia, the age of consent to ask for treatment is 14. This means that 14 years and older can call me and ask for help without Mom or Dad's consent. I would encourage you to call your local mental health clinic and see what the age of consent is where you live, ask your school counselor, your Just talk to someone.

[rachelrivera]

even though im 11 i still hide depression i have alot of mood swings and i feel all broken inside i tend to hide it acting all weird and hyper even though im calm

[ashleesilvernail]

I had depression since I was three when my brother died and my parents divorced and my mother was beaten, my best friend, (my dog) was killed. I am know ten and it hurts like a mofo

[embright]

I'm 11, I've had suicidal thoughts, anxiety and All the symptoms of adult and childrens depression. in ant tell anyone apart from my friend coz my mum sys I can tell her anything but seriously in can't.