Symptoms of Depression in Tweens

Symptoms of Depression in Tweens Depression Childhood Depression Print Symptoms of Depression in Tweens By Jennifer O'Donnell Jennifer ODonnell holds a BA in English and has training in specific areas regarding tweens, covering parenting for over 8 years. Learn about our editorial policy Jennifer O'Donnell Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 19, 2020 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 10, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids FatCamera / Getty Images It can be difficult to know if your child is going through a major bout with depression, or is just temporarily down in the dumps. Either way, acting quickly to help your tween, whatever their situation may be, is important. Kids experience lots of change in their tween years: their hormones are kicking in, their responsibilities are increasing, and their schedules are overbooked. To make things even more challenging, tweens or preteens also struggle with changing family and friend relationships, stress, confusing cultural expectations, and the anxiety that often comes with their approaching adolescence. Its no wonder that so many kids experience occasional sadness or possibly, even childhood depression. Recognizing warning signs of depression in your tween is the first step to getting them the help they need. Proper depression treatment for preteens is especially important as studies suggest that children who suffer from childhood depression are more likely to use alcohol and drugs. They are also more at risk for engaging in other dangerous behaviors.?? Recognizing Depression in Tweens The first step to helping your child is recognizing that there might be a problem. Unfortunately, the symptoms can be difficult to spot and can be confused with the normal trials and tribulations of growing up. Tweens are frequently moody. Their changing hormones and emotions can make it difficult to know if theyre just going through a phase or something more serious. While depression symptoms in tweens vary from individual to individual and can differ from those seen in adults, its not uncommon for depressed tweens to exhibit several of the following behaviors, at one time or another: A change in appetite (eating too much or not enough)Withdrawing from friends and activitiesSleeping disturbances like sleeping too much, not sleeping well or avoiding sleepA decline in grades at schoolFeelings of frustrationAn inability to complete simple tasksOverwhelming guilt and feelings of worthlessnessA change in normal behavior or personality changesReluctance to participate in social activitiesAnger  and other frequent emotional outburstsFrequent stomachaches or headaches that dont respond to treatmentBody aches that cant be explained or treatedAn inability to enjoy life and a lack of interest in the future Many tweens will rotate through the above symptoms routinely, but that doesnt necessarily mean theyre suffering from childhood depression. But if your childs behavior lasts for more than two weeks, it could be a sign that the troubles are more than a temporary slump. If youre unsure about your childs behavior, ask other family members, your childs teacher, and any other adult who has frequent contact with your child for their thoughts concerning your childs behavior. If youre concerned, dont hesitate to ask your childs pediatrician, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist for an opinion. Depression in children, when left untreated, can lead to a number of other serious problems including drug and alcohol misuse, relationship problems, and even suicide. The Consequences of Untreated Depression in Children Causes of Childhood Depression There are a number of different factors, both biological and environmental, that can contribute to the development of childhood depression.?? In tweens, imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin can predispose to depression. A combination of traumatic events (such as divorce, death of a loved one, friendship problems, a family move) may also trigger depression in some youths, as may a family predisposition to the disorder. Believe it or not, depression is actually fairly common in tweens with as many as one in 30 living with the disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 3.2% of kids between the ages of three and 17 have been diagnosed with depression.?? The good news is depression can be treated successfully. With careful monitoring and support, a child experiencing depression has a very good chance of overcoming the condition.?? What You Can Do Visiting with your childs doctor is a must. Your childs pediatrician may recommend that your child seek counseling or psychotherapy, most likely with a pediatric mental health provider. You may also consider family therapy. In some cases, counseling is enough to help a child through rough times. In other circumstances, medication may be prescribed as well. If you think your child is depressed or upset, educate yourself on their social media life. Your childs Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram might reveal if something is going on with friends or at school. Whatever course of action the doctors propose to take, your role is as an advocate and a loving support system  for your child. Talk to Your Tween Listen to your child when they share information about their feelings and refrain from judging.Let your child know that you are there for them whenever they need you.Be persistent, even if you think they have gotten the point. Depressed tweens need to hear that you will be there for them  and that your love is unconditional. How to Help a Depressed Teenager