What it is:
Mood concerns in children are fairly common and can include both major depression as well as difficulties adjusting to major life changes (e.g., following a move, school change, or end of an important relationship). Depressed teens may experience sadness, tearfulness, low motivation, low energy, or difficulties with sleeping or eating. They may also be more irritable and be more likely to lash out at others than they typically do. Many depressed adolescents have a hard time with attention and concentration, and it is not unusual for their grades to slip as their mood worsens.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- My child seems sad, tearful, or cries a lot
- My child is moodier than they typically are
- My child is no longer interested in activities they used to enjoy
- My child is quick to anger or get mad
- My child sleeps too much, is tired even though they get enough sleep, or seems to have low energy most of the time
- My child doesn’t want to do anything, even things that used to interest them
- My child seems hopeless and nothing I do seems to help
- My child is irritable or grumpy all the time
- My child talks about death or hurting themselves
Associated Concerns:
- Children with mood disturbance may experience anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, relationship difficulties, and behavioral outbursts. They may also show changes in functioning at school or after-school activities.
- In more severe cases, children may also experience thoughts of suicide, or they may engage in self-harming behaviors (e.g., cutting, burning)
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