Warning Signs of Depression in Your Child - Divorce or Separation

No one wants their children to be depressed.  And, divorce or a separation is hard on children, too.

Here are some warning signs for depression in children:

• Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
• Hopelessness
• Decreased interest in activities; or unable to enjoy previous favorite activities
• Persistent boredom; low energy
• Social isolation; poor communication
• Low self esteem and guilt
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger or hostility
• Difficulty with relationships
• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as stomachaches or headaches
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
• Poor concentration
• A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior

This list is from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

(This list is provided only for informational purposes.  The list is not provided as a medical treatment, nor as a diagnosis, and should not be considered as such.)