Signs of Depression in Young Children

It may be hard to see symptoms of depression in young children. They are not able to put their feelings into words so depression may come across as hyper, angry, or just plain mean. Sometimes these behaviors and feelings are just stages the child will get through. But sometimes they may be a sign of a bigger issue. Consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your child's health.

Sadness

• Prolonged sadness in children is a definite symptom of depression.

Anger

• Children get angry, but continuous anger is a sign that something is wrong.

Nightmares

• If the child is having frequent nightmares, you may want to bring him to a counselor for evaluation.

Physical Symptoms

• Young children may say they have bellyaches or headaches when there is no real cause.

Aggression

• Children that act out in school and display aggresive behavior may suffer from depression.

Warning

• If a young child talks about death, suicide or hurting himself, seek immediate help from your family physician or a child psychologist.