Signs of Depression in a 6 Year Old

Depression is often associated with adults, but the truth is that children can also suffer from depression. According to Oregon Counseling, one out of 10 children suffer from depression, though there is a lower rate of depression in children ages 1 to 6. Depression in children was not taken seriously until the past two decades, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and it is often difficult to tell whether a child is suffering from depression or going through a natural phase. A visit to your pediatrician is recommended if you think that your 6-year-old might be suffering from depression.

Physical Symptoms

• Very young children lack the ability to communicate their feelings entirely. Instead, they will often show signs of depression through physical symptoms. Severe headaches, weight loss, weight gain, loss of energy, fatigue and physical complaints that do not go away with treatment can all be signs of depression.

Behavioral Symptoms

• Signs of depression in a 6-year-old are often interpreted as behavioral problems due to the frustration that the child is undergoing. A 6-year-old child may have frequent outbursts or exhibit loss of interest, social withdraw, a temper, aggravation and changes in sleeping patterns.

Emotional Symptoms

• When a 6-year-old child is experiencing depression, the signs frequently manifest as emotional changes. Some children may suffer with persistent unhappiness. Others cry, sometimes with outbursts lasting most of the day. Other emotional symptoms may include feelings of hopelessness or guilt, thoughts of suicide, neediness, withdrawing from others, loss of interest, negative statements such as "I'm stupid," impaired thinking, impaired concentration and self-destructive behavior.

Social Symptoms

• A depressed child may present signs of social changes. Your 6-year-old might refuse to stop playing with friends or experience repeated rejection by other children, changes in school performance, reduced capability of functioning during events at home, school or with other hobbies, disinterest in common activities or shutting down communication.