6 Signs that could mean your child is depressed

Signs & Symptoms: How to tell if your child is depressed

Angela Goh

11 Jun 2016

updated the 1 August 2016 à 16:08

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Sadness, anger and irritability
While a certain amount of irritability and moodiness in children, especially teenagers, may be common, there might come a point when your child might start to act irrationally unhappy with even the smallest aspects of their life. When they start to believe that everything is empty or meaningless, it might be time to have a chat to them to discuss their emotional state.
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Loss of interest in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed
It is common for depressive individuals to want to distance themselves from the real world by locking themselves away in their bedrooms or attempting to stay within the comforts of their own home for long periods of time. They may even exhibit signs of unease at the thought of going outside. Severing ties with the rest of the world is way to tell that something is not quite right.
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Appetite changes; significant weight loss/gain
Similar to losing interest in hobbies and regular daily activities, loss of appetite can be attributed to a feeling of hopelessness and unhappiness in your child. In the same vein, overeating could also be a sign of abnormal behaviour.
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Poor performance at school
Frequently wanting to be absent from school may indicate a feeling of disinterest in academic life or a fear of being in a place with other people. This may be due to a number of things such as bullying or feeling inadequate at school work.
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Chronic negativity; lack of motivation and enthusiasm
Is your child having trouble getting up in the morning, making critical and negative comments about themselves, or constantly telling you that they don’t feel happy?
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Thoughts and comments about death
One of the most tell-tale signs that your child is depressed is when they start to talk themselves down with comments such as “Your life will be better without me” or “No one will miss me”. Writing or talking about death or suicide is no laughing matter and should be taken seriously.

It’s important to learn the signs of depression – and yes, even children can fall victim to this mental condition.

If you believe your kids are too young to suffer from the terrifying clutches of depression, think again. While childhood depression differs from the usual bouts of sadness or emotional unhappiness, it is important to be able to tell if a child starts to exhibit signs of depressive illness. Generally, if their sadness begins to interfere with their social activities, sleep patterns and regular daily routine, it may be time to take their condition seriously and perhaps even seek professional help.

From signs of anger and irritability to complete social withdrawal, children typically handle their depression in a variety of ways, depending on the situation and the circumstances. Head up to the gallery to see if your little ones have been exhibiting more than a few of the symptoms we’ve listed. If you think your child is showing the first signs of depression, we strongly advise you to approach an expert for their advice.

SOS (Samaritans of Singapore) suicide prevention centre 24-hour hotline: 1800-221 4444

Angela Goh

Photos: iStock

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