Older adolescents and adults tend to become withdrawn. Young children, on the other hand, tend to exhibit non-verbal clues and express their emotional struggles more by their behavior than by talking. A major depression typically lasts several weeks and may be intense.
Depression is a complicated condition.
Parents should trust their intuition about their children's behavior, especially where a family history of depression is present. Parents may want to give serious consideration to the suggestions of others that their son or daughter may be experiencing depression. If parents suspect depression in a child, they may want to discuss their concerns with teachers and school counselors. This may ease their concerns if teachers do not observe similar behaviors, or it may confirm their concerns if teachers are aware of behavior that may indicate depression. Parents should talk with their family physician.