Depression in Children

Depression in infancy is uncommon but growing in childhood due to some of the uncaring nature in some parents or opposite the over controlling, overprotective parents. Depression in the years leading up to puberty is much more common as it is linked to family difficulties, the birth of a sibling, the child’s social surroundings and environment such as school. Many of those who have suffered depression have gone on to further episodes of depression as these may have been caused by a stressful event in their life.

Common signs of depression among children are:

• A prolonged sad mood
• A loss of interest in normal activities such as playing and games
• Withdrawal both at home and school
• Uncharacteristic behaviours such as stealing or bullying
• Tiredness, particularly in the afternoon
• Sleep disturbance
• Bed wetting