While the symptoms of clinical depression in adults might be quite obvious, it's very
different in children.
Children who are depressed are often irritable, grouchy, moody, have difficulty with their
peer relationships.
They don't enjoy things that they usually would be very excited about.
Sometimes they'll be isolated and seem to be withdrawn from family and their peers.
Children who are depressed may not perform as well in school.
There may be a decline in grades, or teachers may comment that they're struggling to stay
focused and pay attention.
Other things include them having poor performance in sports or other extracurricular activities
where they once performed very well.
It's very easy, sometimes, for parents and other adults to overlook some of these signs
and symptoms because it's commonly said, "Oh, well.
This is adolescence, and this is teenage years."
However, if these signs and symptoms carry on for several months, it's important to get
clinical intervention.
Contact your pediatrician, or school counselor or community professional to find a good clinical
psychologist or psychiatrist for your child.
So it's very important to pay attention to these signs and symptoms of childhood clinical
depression.