Depression is a mood disorder that can affect anyone, which means that your child is at risk for it. Because children sometimes have a hard time expressing their feelings, their signs of depression can go overlooked by parents. We all experience sadness sometimes, but here’s how you can tell when your child is dealing with a more severe emotional issue.

What Are the Signs of Depression?

Childhood depression is a real illness as it is with adults. However, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated since it’s more common to dismiss a child’s behavior as part of their growth and development. Although the primary symptom of depression is sadness or low mood, other signs point to a serious medical condition.

• Lack of Enthusiasm: Pay attention to how your child functions in school and at home—do they find it difficult to concentrate on their studies, feel easily fatigued, or display a lack of interest in their hobbies or activities? 
• Negative Feelings: Depressed children tend to feel negatively towards unpleasant situations. Their emotions range from guilt and anger to hopelessness and unworthiness, so be sensitive to how they react.

• Social Withdrawal: Some depressed children withdraw from their friends and families and isolate themselves most of the time. That’s because they become critical of themselves and focus more on their faults.  
• Physical Complaints: Another sign of depression in your child is incurable physical pain. When they complain of a headache, stomachache, or another illness that doesn’t get cured with medicine, depression may be the root cause.
• Change in Appearance: Depression can have an impact on your child’s appetite and sleep patterns, becoming evident in their physique. When they start to lose weight or appear gaunt, you may need to seek professional help for them.

How Can You Help Them?

Treating depression is a joint effort between you and your child. As a parent, you have to recognize that there’s a problem once their symptoms last for more than two weeks and that they need help ASAP. Consult with their pediatrician or seek a mental health professional who specializes in working with children for a more accurate diagnosis.

Apart from treatment, there are other ways to help your child. Start by having a more positive relationship with them. Instead of getting angry when they act out, collect yourself first before speaking harshly. Foster a relaxed, open environment that encourages good moods and emotions when you spend time with them. Lastly, make sure that they eat and sleep well.

At the first signs of depression in your child, it’s vital to seek professional help from a psychologist. For over two decades, Feinberg & Associates of Lexington, KY, has offered mental health services to children and adults alike, helping them with their struggles and providing treatments. Call (859) 233-3390 to schedule an initial consultation or visit their website for more information.