Depression and Anxiety in children and teenagers
Children and teenagers can also experience depression and anxiety in the same way as adults do. Often the signs of depression and anxiety in young people is more recognisable as behavioural because they may find it difficult to express what they are feeling.
Some of the signs that have been present for a prolonged period to look out for in relation to Depression include:
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Appearing sad and easily upset a lot of the time
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Negative self-talk
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Reduced energy and motivation
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Reduced interest in activities they usually enjoy
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Difficulty concentrating
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Withdrawing from social situations
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Difficulties getting to sleep or staying asleep
Some of the signs that have been present for a prolonged period to look out for in relation to Anxiety include:
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Seems to have excessive worries compared to other children their age
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Tends to get fixated on a particular concern
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Impacts their participation in activities i.e. may want to avoid school, social, or other activities that they feel anxious about
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Difficulties getting to sleep or staying asleep
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Physical symptoms such as chest pain, changes in breathing, panic attacks