What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness for long periods of time.
How common is depression?
Depression is a common mood disorder. Depression affects one in every 50 school-aged children and one out of every 13 middle and high school students. These numbers tend to get a little higher in the college and young adult years.
What are the signs of depression?
The signs of depression look different in adults and children. In adults, the most common symptoms include feelings of sadness, loneliness or feeling overwhelmed for long periods of time.
In children, signs of depression can include:
- Anger
- Grumpy or irritable mood
- Restlessness or agitation
- Low energy or self-esteem
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Headaches, backaches or stomachaches
Rev. 6/2018
