“Red Flags” of Youth Depression

If you suspect that your child is suffering from depression, it is important to document their behavior. This information can then be passed on to a physician or therapist, who will be better able to determine your child's emotional health. If your child does experience any of the possible signs (listed below), note a description of when, how long and examples of this behavior.

The following symptoms are considered possible signs of depression:

Does your child express any of the following emotions:
• not happy when doing pleasurable things
• emotionally drained
• general sadness
• hopelessness
• hollowness
• uselessness

Does your child complain about any physical changes:
• upset stomach
• change in appetite and/or body weight
• lethargic
• sleeplessness
• headaches
• joint or back pain

Is your child demonstrating cognitive difficulties with:
• focusing
• finishing tasks
• performing consistently in school
• making decisions

Is your child experiencing any behavioral problems:
• easily irritated
• uncooperative
• disagreeable
• avoiding social interaction
• avoiding or skipping school
• quitting sports, hobbies or organizations
• abusing drugs and/or alcohol

• Talking, reading, or writing about suicide or death.
• Talking about feeling worthless or helpless.
• Saying things like:
  — "I'm going to kill myself,"
  — "I wish I were dead," or
  — "I shouldn't have been born."
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.

• Giving things away or returning borrowed items.
• Organizing or cleaning bedroom "for the last time."
• Self-destructive behavior "risk-taking" behaviors, like self-cutting.
• Obsessed with death, violence and guns or knives.
• Previous suicidal thoughs or suicide attempts.