Depression affects millions of individuals worldwide, yet it often remains misunderstood, minimized, or overlooked—especially when it appears in children and teens. Education is one of the most powerful tools in identifying and responding to depression, allowing for early interventions. Understanding what it is, how it manifests in different age groups, and the role of the brain and body in depression can empower families to seek the support they need.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder marked by a persistent low mood, a loss of interest in activities, and a variety of emotional and physical problems that interfere with daily functioning. It is more than just sadness or a temporary emotional slump. Clinical depression—also known as major depressive disorder – is a diagnosable condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
People with depression cannot “just snap out of it.” The symptoms are rooted in both psychological and physiological processes, which often require professional treatment to overcome. Depression can range from mild to severe, and the intensity and duration of symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
What Depression Looks Like Across Age Groups
Depression doesn’t look the same in everyone. It can manifest differently depending on a person’s age, developmental stage, and environment. This variation can make it difficult for parents and caregivers to recognize what’s really going on.
In Children: Signs Often Go Unnoticed
In younger children, depression may not involve verbal expressions of sadness. Instead, symptoms can include:
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Frequent crying or tantrums
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Excessive clinginess or fear of separation
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Physical complaints (e.g., stomachaches, headaches) with no medical explanation
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Withdrawal from play or social interactions
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Changes in sleep or eating habits
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Low energy and lack of enthusiasm
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Regressive behaviors (e.g., bedwetting)
Since children often lack the language to describe their emotions, these symptoms may be misinterpreted as behavioral issues or developmental delays.
In Adolescents: Hidden in Plain Sight
Teenagers experience a surge of emotional, physical, and social changes. While moodiness can be part of normal adolescence, persistent changes may indicate depression. Warning signs include:
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Social withdrawal and isolation from family or friends
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Poor academic performance
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Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
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Irritability, anger, or restlessness
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Risk-taking behaviors (e.g., reckless driving, substance use)
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Self-harm or suicidal ideation
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Changes in appearance or hygiene
Teens may try to hide their struggles due to stigma or fear of judgment. They may seem “fine” on the surface while experiencing profound inner turmoil.
In Adults: Daily Life Disrupted
In adults, depression can lead to:
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Persistent sadness or emptiness
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Fatigue or low energy, even after rest
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Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
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Changes in appetite and weight
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
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Loss of interest in hobbies or relationships
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Feelings of guilt, shame, or failure
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Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression can strain romantic relationships, parenting, and work responsibilities, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and disconnection.
In Older Adults: Often Misdiagnosed
In seniors, depression may be dismissed as a normal part of aging, but that’s a myth. Symptoms in older adults may include:
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Memory loss or confusion
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Slowed speech or movement
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Physical aches or chronic pain
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Fatigue or lethargy
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Loss of interest in activities
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Social withdrawal
Because older adults may be less likely to report sadness, family members and healthcare providers must pay attention to these signs.
The Physiology of Depression
Depression affects more than emotions—it involves real, measurable changes in the brain and body.
Chemical Imbalance
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play a vital role in mood regulation. In people with depression, the balance of these chemicals is often disrupted, affecting sleep, appetite, motivation, and emotional regulation.
Brain Structure
Research using brain scans has revealed that depression is associated with changes in certain brain regions:
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Prefrontal cortex: involved in decision-making and mood regulation, often underactive in depression.
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Amygdala: processes emotions; tends to be hyperactive in individuals with depression.
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Hippocampus: involved in memory and emotion, often smaller in people with long-term depression.
Stress Hormones
Chronic stress and depression lead to elevated levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Over time, high cortisol levels can damage neurons, disrupt sleep, increase inflammation, and impair immune function.
Physical Health Effects
Depression isn’t just in the mind. It can cause or worsen:
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Cardiovascular disease
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Chronic pain conditions
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Gastrointestinal problems
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Weakened immune system
These physiological effects underline the importance of treating depression not just as an emotional issue, but as a comprehensive health concern.
How Depression Impacts Daily Life
Depression doesn’t just affect the person who has it—it ripples out into every corner of their life and their relationships.
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Children may fall behind academically or socially and feel shame or confusion about their feelings.
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Teens may act out, isolate themselves, or turn to harmful coping mechanisms like substance use.
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Adults may struggle to maintain work, care for children, or nurture their partnerships.
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Seniors may feel invisible, especially if their grief or despair is dismissed as part of aging.
Depression can create feelings of guilt and worthlessness that make it harder to ask for help. It may cause people to push away those who love them most, leading to even more isolation. That’s why family support and intervention are so critical.
How Counseling Can Help
Therapy is one of the most effective tools for treating depression. A child and family counselor creates a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals and families can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Here’s how counseling can make a difference:
For Individuals
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thought patterns and teaches practical coping skills.
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Trauma-informed care: Identifies and heals past wounds that contribute to current depression.
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Mindfulness and self-compassion techniques: Build emotional resilience and reduce anxiety and self-criticism.
For Children and Teens
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Play therapy: Allows children to express complex emotions through symbolic play.
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Art or music therapy: Provides alternative ways for youth to process and communicate feelings.
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Parent involvement: Counselors work with parents to help them respond constructively to their child’s emotional needs.
For Families
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Family counseling: Improves communication, reduces conflict, and strengthens relationships.
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Psychoeducation: Helps family members understand what depression is—and isn’t—so they can respond with empathy rather than frustration or fear.
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Supportive routines and boundaries: Counselors guide families in creating a home environment that promotes safety, stability, and emotional connection.
Therapy can be a life-changing step toward recovery. In many cases, counseling may be paired with medication, especially in moderate to severe cases, based on a mental health provider’s evaluation.
There Is Hope
Depression can feel overwhelming, but it is also highly treatable. The earlier it is recognized and addressed, the better the outcome. With the right support—whether it’s individual therapy, family counseling, medical care, or community connection—healing is possible.
No one has to go through depression alone. If someone in your family is showing signs of depression, reaching out can be the first step toward hope, understanding, and renewed well-being.
If you or a loved one is in crisis, or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988, The Colorado Crisis Centers at 1-844-493-8255, or text “TALK” to 38255. Support is available—and recovery is within reach.
