Recognizing Depression in Children and Teens

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder. It affects the way you think and feel. Like diabetes and heart disease, it's a serious disease. And like those illnesses, depression is not something a person can just "snap out of." The most common symptom is feeling very sad much of the time. People who are depressed may also feel hopeless. Or they may feel that life isn’t worth living. At times, depression may lead to thoughts of suicide or death.

Depression in children

Kids as young as age 6 may have feelings of deep sadness. But they may not know how to talk about it. Instead, your child may:

• Eat more or less than normal.

• Sleep more or less than normal.

• Seem unable to have fun.

• Think or talk about death or wanting to die.

• Seem scared or worried.

• Act out.

• Use alcohol or drugs.

• Use medicines not prescribed to them.

• Say they have stomach pain or other pain that can’t be explained.

Depression in teens

It can be hard to spot depression in teens. Mood swings are normal during these years. This is the result of changing hormones. It’s also part of growing up. But if your teen is always depressed, that's a reason to be concerned. Signs of depression include:

• Using drugs or alcohol.

• Problems in school and at home.

• Running away often.

• Thoughts or talk of death or suicide.

• Pulling away from family and friends.

• Problems eating or sleeping.

• Low self-esteem.

• Negative behavior.

• Rage.

• Loss of pleasure in life.

• Not enjoying things they used to like.

What you can do

Treatment can help. Talk to your child's doctor, school counselor, or therapist. Or check with a mental health center, social service center, or hospital for help. Let your child know they can feel better. Encourage them to talk.

Keeping a daily routine for meals, exercise, personal care, and sleep may help ease their stress. Check what your child posts on social media. Watch for red flags. These include comments about:

• Self harm.

• Harming others.

• Weapons.

• Alcohol or drug use.

Watch for behavior changes that concern you. Offer your love and support.

If your child or teen talks about death or suicide, get help now.

Call 988

If your child is in a crisis or has thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988. Do not leave your child alone. When you call or text 988, you will be connected to trained crisis counselors at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. An online chat choice is also available at 988lifeline.org. You can also call Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). The 988 Lifeline is free and available 24/7.

To learn more

• 988lifeline.org or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)

• National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or 800-950-6264

• National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov or 866-615-6464

• Mental Health America at www.mentalhealthamerica.net or 800-969-6642