It is often undiagnosed and untreated because they are passed off as normal emotional and psychological changes that occur during growth. Early medical studies focused on masked depressive symptoms, where a child's depressed mood was evidenced by acting out or angry behavior. While this does occur, particularly in younger children, many children display sadness or low mood similar to adults who are depressed.
Childhood/Teen Depression symptoms:
Difficulties sleeping, which is sometimes indicated by difficulties getting up in the morning
Social withdrawal
Difficulties making or keeping friends
Eating too much or too little
Difficulties concentrating
Acting out or behavioral problems
Irritability or inappropriate anger
Suicidal thoughts or gestures
If you are concerned that your child might be suicidal, please take him/her to your local ER to be evaluated immediately.