Depression

• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Fatigue and low motivation
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

What does depression look like in children and teens?

Kids are more at risk for depression when they have experienced loss (ex: a divorce, or a death of someone they love), when they are experiencing a transition (ex: switching schools, a breakup, or moving), or when they experience trauma (ex: bullying or an assault). 

It can be difficult to differentiate typical moodiness, sadness, or irritability in kids from symptoms of a more chronic or serious mood disorder.   When to be concerned is if you observe intense painful moods that last for days or weeks, self injury or suicidal thinking, or an impairment in their day-to-day ability to function:

• Verbal or physical aggression, running away, or persistent irritability that makes it difficult for kids and parents to interact
• Refusal to go to school or completely avoiding peers
• Sleeping significantly more or less than is typical for them
• Not engaging with school – inability to focus or get work done
• Substance use
• Self-harm