Childhood Depression Symptom or Bad Behavior?A childhood depression symptom may look much like a symptom of adult depression or it may look very different. Children have less ability to verbalize their feelings and are more likely to give us clues about their inner state through their behavior.
Please click here if you believe your child is depressed and for information about treatment. Imagine feeling depressed, lonely, generally bad about yourself and the world. It wouldn’t help you feel better to be told you are worthless, lazy, and hear the people you love constantly complain about you! Early identification and treatment of depression results in children in living happier, more productive and successful lives. Yet most adults that come in contact with children do not understand what a childhood depression symptom is. Facts
Below are some common child depression symptoms and the behaviors that accompany them. They are unpleasant to be around
One very common childhood depression symptom is an irritable mood. Think, for a moment, about how you behave when irritable. You may snap at your coworkers, friends or spouse. You are likely to lose your temper and show very little patience. Children who are irritable may be rude, disrespectful, and may refuse to do what you ask. They are less likely to follow the rules at school or at home and frequently talk back to parents and teachers. They complain of boredom A child who is bored may bother you, follow you around the house and demand that you entertain them. They no longer like to do things they used to think were fun A child who is experiencing this childhood depression symptom will stop enjoying the activities they were the most interested in. They may display changes in eating patterns or appetite Children who experience this childhood depression symptom may seem picky and whiny or complain about their food. Children I see often complain about how the food is “bad” or doesn’t taste right. They may not want to get up or go to bed Children may sleep more or less than normal. Behaviorally this can translate into refusal to go to school or to go to bed. They may have low energy Depressed children may complain of feeling tired and lack the energy to complete the tasks they need to do at home and school. This childhood depression symptom often causes children to behave in a way that can be misinterpreted as lazy. If parents or teachers describe a child as lazy I am immediately suspicious that the child is depressed. Adults usually respond to this behavior by name calling “get your lazy self up!” or punishing. They have thoughts of worthlessness or guilty feelings Children who are depressed will often make negative self statements such as “I can't do this” or "I’m not good at anything". Busy parents often miss these statements or may be irritated by them. Younger children won’t attempt to complete tasks or activities because of fear that they are not good enough to do so. Kids with this childhood depression symptom may also blame themselves for things that they have nothing to do with. They can’t concentrate Kids with this childhood symptoms of depression may get labeled as ADHD! Then they are given stimulants which can have a disastrous affect if the child has bipolar disorder. Other symptoms Other symptoms include unpleasant behaviors such as tantrums, inability to handle frustration, complaining or crying. At school depressed children may be hostile or aggressive, display a drop in school performance, or may frequently go to the school nurse. If you think your child is exhibiting these symptoms, and you have a family history of depression, than it is very likely that your child is depressed. Please click here !if you believe your child may be depressed, for information about treatment. OvercomeBullying.org How to Overcome Bullying. OvercomeBullying.org provides information and resources to help you overcome school and workplace bullying, mobbing and harassment. Speak Out Now! The Speak Out system is a powerful tool that gives your school or workplace a unique, innovative and affordable way to deal with bullying effectively. Visit Our Website to Learn More. |
Unfortunately the behavioral expression of childhood depression can result in adults viewing depressed children as having behavioral problems. Instead of being treated for mental illness, depressed children are often scolded, shamed and punished. 
