Just like its appearance in adults, depression in children can manifest in different ways. Depression isn’t always about feeling sad: if a child displays an unusual or sustained lack of energy, enthusiasm, or interest in normal activities they usually enjoy—or starts becoming uncharacteristically irritable or angry—it may be a sign that they’re depressed. Childhood depression is often a result of experiencing trauma or a symptom of another condition, but it frequently goes undiagnosed if the trauma or illness isn’t directly observed by caregivers. When these behaviors are only attributed to going through a “phase” as part of normal childhood development, children can miss out on crucial restorative care. The aid of a qualified professional can be immensely helpful in identifying and recovering from the underlying causes of childhood depression.
If you or someone you know is in immediate need of support, please seek professional help. If you are in crisis, here are some immediate free resources.
