Can Kids Suffer from Depression?

Depression is just as common in kids as it is in adults. However, the signs of depression in children are often mistaken for shyness or aggressiveness. As a result, many times, depression in children goes unrecognized and untreated. The factors that can trigger depression in children are manifold. For instance, children feel depressed if they are unable to perform academically or if they have done things they did not want to do under peer pressure. Children may feel depressed due to poor family environment like when parents constantly fight or when their marriage ends in divorce. Other factors that can cause depression in children may be illness, learning disabilities, and social ineptness. The signs of depression are different in children. Parents should watch out for warning signs like mood swings, inability to sleep peacefully, anger, temper tantrums, sadness, clingy behavior, loss of interest in activities, irritability, and loss of interest in food. Most cases of depression in children are mild and resolve with time. However, if these symptoms last for a long time, parents should take time to sit down and talk to their child about the things troubling his mind. You can also take him to a child psychologist or school counselor for guidance. The child may feel better sharing his thoughts with a third person who assures him that all information will be confidential.