Depression
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DEPRESSION
Signs and symptoms of depression can look differently in children and adolescents than what we may expect, it can often be passed off as normal emotional and psychological changes that occur during growth. However, children and adolescents can suffer from depression and here are some of the symptoms to look for:
Irritability or anger
Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness
Social withdrawal
Increased sensitivity to rejection
Changes in appetite -- either increased or decreased
Changes in sleep -- sleeplessness or excessive sleep
Vocal outbursts or crying
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue and low energy
Physical complaints (such as stomachaches, headaches) that don't respond to treatment
Reduced ability to function during events and activities at home or with friends, in school, extracurricular activities, and in other hobbies or interests
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Impaired thinking or concentration
Thoughts of death of suicide
It’s important to notice if there is a difference in your own child, if you are seeing more or less of a certain behavior. There are resources available both at school and the community and depression can be treated.
DEPRESSION RESOURCES
Depression Toolkit
http://www.depressiontoolkit.org/lifespan/children.aspNational Institute on Mental Health- Depression in Teens
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression/index.shtml