Signs and symptoms of depression can look differently in children and adolescents than what we may expect, it can often be passed off as normal emotional and psychological changes that occur during growth. However, children and adolescents can suffer from depression and here are some of the symptoms to look for:

• Irritability or anger
• Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Increased sensitivity to rejection
• Changes in appetite -- either increased or decreased
• Changes in sleep -- sleeplessness or excessive sleep
• Vocal outbursts or crying
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue and low energy
• Physical complaints (such as stomachaches, headaches) that don't respond to treatment
• Reduced ability to function during events and activities at home or with friends, in school, extracurricular activities, and in other hobbies or interests
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Impaired thinking or concentration
• Thoughts of death of suicide

It’s important to notice if there is a difference in your own child, if you are seeing more or less of a certain behavior. There are resources available both at school and the community and depression can be treated.