How to Recognize Depression in Girls

Childhood and teenage years are full of a great deal of growth and change. A lot happens during this time that is hard for children and young adults to process and understand. Depression is a common occurrence among this age group, with as many as five percent suffering from serious depression at any one time. While some young children experience depression, the numbers increase with puberty. Boys suffer from depression as much as girls during pre-pubescent years, but after puberty that rate changes to a two to one ratio of girls to boys. Recognizing depression in girls can help to prevent issues such as eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse and suicide.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches without a medical explanation to recognize depression in young girls. Other symptoms include denial of symptoms, excessive crying and aggression.

• 2

  Keep a watch on girls who displayed anxiety and anti-social behavior at a young age. A recent study from the University of Washington showed that these traits among first and second grade girls best predicted depression in later years.

• 3

  Monitor girls in trigger situations for depression, such as family situations like separation or divorce, intense peer pressure, major life changes like moving or starting a new school, or body image changes caused by puberty and development.

• 4

  Seek medical advice when a girl displays any of the following symptoms: hopelessness, inability to find pleasure from formerly pleasurable activities, irritability or anger, changes in sleep or appetite, physical issues like headaches and stomachaches, behaviors like "cutting" and self-mutilation, lack of energy, reduced social interaction, problems in school and suicidal words and ideas.