If you are thinking about death or suicide, contact your doctor immediately. None of Us Are Immune Most of us think of depression as a disease that strikes adults . But the truth is no one is immune. Doctors even have treated depressed infants. Mood disorders take on a different form in the young.
Many doctors think of it as only an adult disease.
For preschool children, symptoms of depression can include somberness, serious appearance, possible appearance of illness, tearfulness, irritability for no apparent reason, and lack of normal toddler exuberance. These children may be self-destructive and may make negative comments about themselves. In older children and adolescents, symptoms of depression may present themselves differently from younger children. These children may be suicidal, and usually appear to hate themselves and everything around them. Since children in this age range are at greater risk for suicide, eating disorders, and substance abuse, it is very important that you contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms in your child.