We now offer TMS treatment for depression. Click here to learn more.
Skip to main content

How Depression Affects all Stages of Life, Childhood through Adulthood

by Elizabeth Rahamim, LCSW, SAP

Depression is a mysterious thing. In younger children and pre-teens, the child does not appear to be depressed typically, but irritable, unmotivated and seemingly disrespectful. As the body grows into adulthood and the shift from concrete thought processes to more abstract thinking occurs, people can develop more common signs of depression such as hypersomnia(sleeping too much,) a flat, or empty emotional state, lack of motivation, difficulty in completion of responsibilities, tearfulness, changes in eating habits and times partaking in the abuse of alcohol or drugs. Depression can be in the functional person, who is able to go to work, do more or less what they need to do, but may self-isolate, decrease activity or drop off in hobbies or social opportunities, and often may have a very hard time completing tasks as assigned or focusing on work projects and responsibilities . On the other end of the spectrum, there is severe depression, in worse case, one becomes suicidal in their thinking, in which case they will need immediate clinical attention. When you are dealing with a difficult child or getting annoyed with a spouse who may not be doing all you depend on them to do, consider the possibility that depression is going on, as it can play out in many forms.

You Might Also Enjoy...