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Child Depression



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.

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06:46

8 Signs Your Child is Depressed (For Parents)

The percentage of adults who experienced any symptoms of depression was highest among those aged 18–29 (21.0%), followed by those aged 45–64 (18.4%) and 65 and over (18.4%), and lastly, by those aged 30–44 (16.8%). Up to 3% of children and 8% of adolescents in the U.S. have depression.

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No One Saw My Pain: Why Teens Kill Themselves

The book not only issues a warning but alerts concerned adults to signs of suicidal depression in adolescents. There is always a moment of shock, or horror―and for any parent, of fear―when a teenager chooses suicide.

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Depression in Children

Up to 3% of children and 8% of adolescents in the U.S. have depression. The condition is significantly more common in boys under age 10. But by age 16, girls have a greater incidence of depression.

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11:01

Why We Need to Talk About Depression | Kevin Breel

Kevin Breel didn’t look like a depressed kid: team captain, at every party, funny and confident. But he tells the story of the night he realized that—to save his own life—he needed to say four simple words.

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Depressed Child: A Parent’s Guide for Rescuing Kids

By emphasizing how parents can talk to their children about thoughts and feelings, exploring how children develop negative beliefs about themselves, and teaching parents how to help their children change those hopeless self-perceptions, this book outlines practical methods that parents and children...

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Depression in Children

It’s natural for children, like adults, to experience emotional ups and downs. For some children, feeling “blue” for an extended period can be a sign of depression. If your child’s mental health interferes with social activities, interests, schoolwork or family life, it’s time to get help.

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Eight Stories Up: An Adolescent Chooses Hope Over Suicide

As a teenager, DeQuincy Lezine nearly ended his own life, believing it was the only way to escape the emotional pain that was overwhelming him.

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How to Spot Depression in Young Children

We tend to think of childhood as a time of innocence and joy, but as many as 2 to 3 percent of children from ages 6 to 12 can have serious depression.

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07:22

Why You Should Take a Break: Prioritizing Mental Health in Schools | Hailey Hardcastle | TEDxSalem

Hailey Hardcastle is a freshman at the University of Oregon and a student mental health advocate. This year she was named one of Teen Vogues 21 under 21 most influential young people for her work on passing House Bill 2191, which allows students to take mental health days off from school.

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Depression and Your Child: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Seeing your child suffer in any way is a harrowing experience for any parent. Mental illness in children can be particularly draining due to the mystery surrounding it, and the issue of diagnosis at such a tender age.

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WHAT MIGHT HELP

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The information offered here is not a substitute for professional advice. Please proceed with care and caution.

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