8 Signs Your Child is Depressed (For Parents)

Consider sharing this video with your parents to help raise awareness and make childhood depression, not a stigma.

The percentage of adults who experienced any symptoms of depression was highest among those aged 18–29 (21.0%), followed by those aged 45–64 (18.4%) and 65 and over (18.4%), and lastly, by those aged 30–44 (16.8%). Up to 3% of children and 8% of adolescents in the U.S. have depression. The condition is significantly more common in boys under age 10. But by age 16, girls have a greater incidence of depression.

Just because a child seems sad doesn't necessarily mean they have significant depression. But if the sadness becomes persistent or interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life, it may mean they have a depressive illness. Keep in mind that while depression is a serious illness, it’s also a treatable one.

Suicide Hotlines:
America: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Canada: 1-866-531-2600
Australia: 13 11 14
United Kingdom: +44 (0) 8457 90 90 90
Beijing: 0800-810-1117
Hong Kong: +852 28 960 000
Japan/Tokyo: 81 (0) 3 5286 9090
Brazil: 55 11 31514109 or (91) 3223-0074
Mexico: 9453777
Germany: 0800 111 0 111
Russia: (495) 625 3101
India: 91-22-27546669
Iran: 1480
South Africa: 0800 12 13 14

This is only a short list of a few countries, however there is always somebody to reach out to.

Writer: Sara Del Villar
Script Editor: Morgan Franz
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
VO: Amanda Silvera
Animator: Billie
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

Reference
Alli, Renee A. Depression in Children: Symptoms and Common Types of Child Depression. 7 June 2020, www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-children.
Casarella, Jennifer. “Signs of Clinical Depression: Symptoms to Watch For.” WebMD, WebMD, 17 Sept. 2019, www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression.
Cleveland Clinic. “Depression in Children: Symptoms, Suicide Signs & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 17 Nov. 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14938-depression-in-children.
NHS. “Depression in Children and Young People.” NHS Choices, NHS, 2 Apr. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/children-depressed-signs/.
Schimelpfening, Nancy. “What Parents Should Know About Childhood Depression.” Verywell Mind, 25 Mar. 2020, www.verywellmind.com/childhood-depression-1066805.

Do you have a story to share with us about a time where you felt very depressed as a child? If so, email your story with us [email protected]. We can possibly share it if you're opened to that.