Depression is much more common in adults, although it does occur in children and teens as well. Because children have different behaviors than adults, their symptoms of depression are also different. While a depressed adult may seem sad or may cry, children are more likely to act out and behave badly or have out-of-proportion and inappropriate anger. They may have a decreased interest in activities they normally enjoy, become pickier about food, and be irritable. Most people will have bouts of sadness or feel low from time to time and lasting for a few days, but this is not the same as major depression. A person with major depression will have at least five of the following symptoms persistently for at least two weeks:

• Sadness, depressed mood, crying

• Irritability, lack of satisfaction in accomplishments

• Easy frustration, lack of follow through

• Poor self-esteem, low motivation, and reluctance to accept new projects

• Decreased interest in activities that were previously pleasurable

• Changes in appetite; rapid weight gain or loss

• Changes in sleep patterns; sleeping too much or too little

• Slowed body movements; slow, soft speech

• Fatigue, lack of energy

• Poor concentration, attention, and memory

• Thoughts or expressions of death or suicide

Another type of depression is manic depression, or bipolar disorder, that alternates with symptoms of depression and those of being “wired” and exhibiting reckless behavior such as shoplifting or gambling. When in a manic or wired state, a person may tend to be grandiose, not sleep, exhibit careless sexual activity, talk nonstop, and be rebellious or irritable.

Talk about Problems

Everyone gets sad and blue sometimes, but if you, your loved one, or your child are having problems related to grades or school attendance, relationships, alcohol, drugs, or sex, or are exhibiting uncontrolled behavior, the problem may be a depression that can be helped with treatment. Depression that isn't treated may end up getting worse and last longer. Talk to the person you love and tell them that depression, or problems with substance abuse, doesn't mean that they are weak, or a failure, or not trying hard enough. It means they have a real medical illness and need treatment, usually talk therapy, medicine, or both together. Be sure to emphasize that most people who seek treatment for depression start to feel better in just a few weeks. Let the person with a substance-abuse problem know that they have your support, and encourage them to get the professional help that they need. Assure the person that they are not alone, and that there are many people who can help, such as professionals at mental-health centers, the family doctor, someone in the clergy, or a school counselor or nurse.