Although most people think that depression is an adult illness, children and adolescents can develop depression as well. Unfortunately, many children with depression go untreated because adults do not recognize they are depressed. Parents, as well as teachers, need to learn about childhood depression so that you can help a depressed child in a helpful manner if needed.

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause someone to feel sad, irritable, or hopeless. According to an observation of a preschool caregiver in Duarte, CA, this mental condition of children also cause them to lose interest in hobbies and activities that they once enjoyed. In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide.

Childhood depression is different from the normal ‘blues’ and everyday emotions. Just because a child is sad about something, you cannot tell him depressed. But, if the sadness becomes persistent or interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, it means they have a depressive illness. Though depression is a serious illness, it is also a treatable illness. It is always better to start at the root. As soon as you observe your child is depressed, take prompt action says a child psychologist in a preschool in Duarte, CA.

The symptoms of depression may vary from one child to another. Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health disorders in children though these two things tend to be higher in older children and teenagers, small children also become depressed sometimes. Common signs of depression among children are given below –

• Children remain sad and in bad mood all the time. They are a loner and unhappy. They cry more easily on almost everything and throw tantrums.
• A depressed child becomes self-critical and lacks confidence. They do not want to make any attempt in anything.
• Like a cocoon, they shut themselves inside a shell. Depressed children cannot mingle with peers easily. They do not feel free to express something in front of his or her immediate family members.
• Depression can drain a child’s energy. They might put less effort into school than before. Even doing little tasks can feel like too much effort. Kids may seem tired, give up easily or not try.
• A depressed child shows behavioral problems at school. They create trouble during events and activities at home or with friends, in school, during extracurricular activities, and with other hobbies or interests. They do not enjoy the company of their friends.
• The depressed children cannot follow a normal routine of sleep. Some sleep a too long time and even after an adequate sleep they feel tired. Some cannot sleep and suffers from insomnia.
• Depression and eating disorder has a close link. Some depressed children lose appetite, become skeleton-like thin. Some children show no control on eating. They eat like a monster and within a few days they become an obese child.

Childhood depression is a complex condition that has many causes. Sometimes depression is genetic, sometimes the environment is responsible. A broken family, unhealthy relations between parents, and too much stress related to education and career may lead a child towards depression.