Understanding Depression in Tweens: Symptoms in Children Ages 11-13

Symptoms of depression in children ages 11 to 13 may include:

- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or feeling "down"

- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable

- Changes in appetite (decreased or increased), weight (loss or gain) or sleep (difficulty falling or staying asleep, early morning waking)

- Restlessness and agitation or slow and lethargic movement

- Difficulty concentrating or remembering

- Difficulty completing schoolwork or other daily tasks

- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame

- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

- Withdrawn from friends or social activities

- Increased irritability or anger

- Headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms that have no clear medical cause