Symptoms

Common symptoms of depression in children and adolescents include:

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

• Not enjoying things as much as they used to

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

• Changes in appetite and/or weight

• Sleeping more or less than usual

• Feeling tired or having less energy

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

• Having more trouble concentrating

• Caring less about school or not doing as well in school

• Having thoughts of suicide or wanting to die

Children also may have more physical complaints, such as frequent headaches or stomach aches. Depressed adolescents may use alcohol or other drugs as a way of trying to feel better.