Being Depressed vs. Having Depression • How to Recognize the Difference

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Growing up is difficult for everyone, but sometimes the rough patches are actually symptoms of child depression. Adults may dismiss these down times as temper tantrums, growing pains, or phases that the child will grow out of. For some children, though, the deeper problem is depression. A qualified child therapist, like Dr. Risa Ryger, notes that children tend to show symptoms of depression in a different manner than teens and adults

Complaints of aches and pains are more common to hear in children than saying they are sad or depressed. These physical complaints, including headaches and stomach aches, do not necessarily respond to medical treatment. They may also demonstrate unwanted behaviors, such as nail biting, thumb sucking, or hair twirling. Sometimes a child can refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that a parent may die. Other signs and symptoms of child depression can include:

Child Depression Symptoms

  • Irritability or anger
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Withdrawal from activities that they had previously enjoyed
  • Sensitivity to rejection or criticism
  • Talk or thoughts of suicide or death
  • Difficulty concentrating and focusing
  • Changes in sleep – either too much or too little
  • Changes in eating – either too much or too little, with resultant weight gain or loss
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Crying
  • Feelings of guilt or poor self-worth
  • Aggression
  • Getting into trouble at school
  • Decreased school performance

Symptoms may not be consistent.  Children can have different symptoms of depression in different settings at different times. It is crucial for caregivers to be aware of these symptoms, because children in America are committing suicide as early as age 5. Those between the ages of 5 and 11 have a suicide rate of 0.17 per 100,000 children. This number is not nearly as large as the teen or adult suicide rate, but it is nonetheless alarming.

It is usually parents, teachers, and caregivers that recognize when a child is suffering. Children rely on adults in their lives to notice their struggling and get them the treatment that they need. A child therapist like Dr. Risa Ryger can provide both evaluation and treatment for children who may be experiencing depression.