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Depression

While feelings of sadness are normal in both children and adolescents, it is better to seek the advice of a mental health professional if those feelings persist. If a child is frequently sad, irritable, and no longer enjoys the things they used to, this may be a sign that he or she may be suffering from depression. 

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Common signs and symptoms 

  • Feeling or appearing depressed, sad, tearful, or irritable

  • Not enjoying things they used to

  • Spending less time with friends or in after-school activities

Feeling tired or having less energy

Feeling like everything is their fault or they are not good at anything

Having thoughts of suicide or wanting to die

There are no specific causes of depression. It could be one of many factors: stress, being bullied, having another

condition such as a learning disability or anxiety disorder, spending a lot of time on social media, or genetics. Whatever the cause may be, if the parent feels like their child or adolescent is showing symptoms of depression, they should seek help. The child’s doctor can screen the child to see if the child’s situation needs further attention and expertise. 

Treatments

Psychotherapy or Talk Therapy

Working with the School

Medication

The Hamilton Depression Scale is one of the most widely used depression used by mental health professionals, primary care physicians and schools. Click on the button below to download a copy. 

Is there a way to check if my child or adolescent has depression?

For detailed information on depression, visit the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's Depression Resource Center.  

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