Today is Childhood Depression Awareness Day! This hits close to home because I believe as a child I was depressed and wasn’t aware of it myself. Also I my oldest has suffered with depression longer than I was aware of it. He always seemed like a happy kid but there was hurt there I didn’t see. It was only a few years ago that I finally found out about his depression. He actually was brave enough to finally tell me and lucky for me he had great friends who convinced him to tell me. The hurt that followed with me not knowing was terrible. I felt like I failed my son.

That is the reason I post this today. I want to raise awareness about Childhood Depression.

Here are 5 signs to look for:

Antisocial behavior
Children and teens who suffer from depression tend to isolate themselves and lose interest in activities that require social skills.

Drop in school performance
Depression is a very debilitating condition, and one of the first noticeable effects in children is a drop in school performance.

Apathy and irritability
When suffering from depression, children and adolescents often assume a fight-or-flight posture, which is reflected in apathetic or aggressive behavior.

Sleep and eating disorders
It is very common for depressed children to have chronic sleep problems such as bruxism, night terrors, and insomnia, as well as eating problems such as bulimia, anorexia, and body dysmorphia.

Fixed idea about suicide and death
The pain of depression can lead to morbid obsessive thoughts, which greatly increase the risk of suicide.

Unfortunately not all kids will even show any of these signs. Some are very good about hiding it. Please talk with your children about their feelings. Let them feel, let them know you are their safe place, be there for them even when times get hard. Love them no matter what.

I pray for all the children who are suffering in silence. I pray they will be brave and let others know.