Understanding Depression
What are the signs and symptoms of depression in children and teens?
Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, children and teenagers rely on parents, teachers or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the help they need. If you have a child or adolescent in your life, it is important to learn what depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.
While it might seem that recognizing depression is easy, the signs are not always obvious. For one, children and teens with depression do not necessarily appear sad. Irritability, anger, and agitation may be the most prominent symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of depression in children
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Physical/somatic
- Difficulty concentrating
- Short term memory impairment
- Difficulty with planning, organizing and executing tasks
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- Facial expressions or body language indicating sadness
- Inattention
- Forgetfulness
- Hypersensitivity
- Separation anxiety from parent/caregiver
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Helping your child/teen
- Help them build positive coping strategies (physical activity, listening to music, reading a book, etc.)
- Listen to your child and don’t say “shape up” or “snap out of it”
- Identify and focus on your child’s strengths not on what they do wrong
- Provide positive feedback and compliments
- Set realistic expectations in partnership with your child
- Promote optimism
- Reach out for support in your school/community
For more information on mental health and wellbeing contact:
Christine Preece, Mental Health Lead at 519-627-6762 ext. 10291.