- Knowledgebase: Behavioral, Developmental, and Emotional Problems
- Questions about behavioral and emotional problems, Autism, developmental delays.
- 6. I have concerns about my son being depressed - Top
- Q: I have concerns about my son being depressed; how can I tell if he is?
A: Children and adolescents can have periods of moodiness which may last a few days. However, when changes that concern you go on for a couple of weeks, your index of suspicion of depression or other things going on in your child's life warrant your attention.
Some potential signs of depression that go on 2 weeks or longer are:
a) drastic changes in school performance,
b) significant weight loss or gain,
c) depressed or irritable mood,
d) insomnia or sleeping too, much,
e) loss of interest or pleasure in activities or friends once enjoyed,
f) agitation or sluggishness,
g) feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach guilt,
h) fatigue or lack of energy,
i) recurrent thoughts of suicide.
If you see patters like this in your child that are intense or last longer than a few days, you should contact your doctor who after evaluation of your child, may recommend a mental health professional.
- Updated: March 24, 2001
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