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Depression is a mental illness or mood disorder that affects over 350 million people worldwide every year, according to the World Health Organization's Depression Fact Sheet. Approximately 2.5% of all U.S. children suffer from depression, a number that increases as children get older. Depression manifests itself as feelings of sadness, loneliness, or hopelessness, as well as a lack of interest in daily activities, a change in appetite, and even thoughts or attempts of suicide.

 

Did you know...

• 6.7% of US adults experience major depressive disorder.

• 3.3% of 13 to 18 year olds will experience a seriously debilitating depressive disorder.

 

There are multiple forms and severities of depressive disorders and they can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It is a disorder of the brain that causes changes to the parts of the brain that control mood, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behavior.

 

Signs and Symptoms 

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings

• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

• Irritability, restlessness

• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable

• Fatigue and decreased energy

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

• Overeating, or appetite loss

• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.

 

Different from feeling down or sad, depression can be accompanied by intense emotions of anxiety, hopelessness, negativity and helplessness. These feelings stay with the individual instead of going away. Depression can happen suddenly as a result of physical illness, experiences dating back to a person’s childhood, unemployment, loss, family problems, or other life changing events. Sometimes there is no clear reason for a person’s depression.

 

Visit our Classroom Warning Signs for more information about depression in children and teens.

 

Additional Resources:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness

• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

• PBS Health Campaign