Youth & Depression

The concept of youth depression encompasses both adolescents and children in our society who struggle with depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, only within the last 20 years has this major issue grabbed public attention. At any given time, between 10 and 15 percent of our youth experience symptoms of depression, according to SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center.

Childhood Depression

• Diagnosis of depression in children can be more difficult, as some children just go through gloomy patches. A child specialist can best determine if the child's symptoms correspond with symptoms of clinical depression.

Teenage Depression

• Teenage depression can actually be less difficult to identify than depression in children. Teenagers can more easily recognize their depression than children and discuss it with friends or family, although not all teens feel comfortable discussing depression with their parents.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of depression in both teens and children can include depressed mood, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, suicidal thoughts, lack of interest in activities once enjoyed and self-initiated seclusion.

Treatment

• When you have a child or teenager with depression, the first step in treatment begins with having them evaluated by a mental health professional, either a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. With major depression, most professionals will recommend antidepressants in addition to psychotherapy.

Warning

• Both children and teenagers with depression may attempt suicide if left untreated. Should you suspect you or someone you know suffers from depression, you should contact a mental health professional immediately.