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Symptoms of Depression

Depression is more than feeling “down” or blue for a day or two. People cannot simply “snap out” of a depression. Symptoms of depression may include:

– Feeling down or sad most days
– Irritability and/or agitation
– Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
– Decrease in sexual desire
– Decrease or increase in appetite
– Decrease or increase in sleep
– Fatigue
– Lack of motivation
– Feeling worthless
– Feeling hopeless or pessimistic
– Problems concentrating or making decisions
– Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can take many forms. Sometimes people simply worry excessively over many different problems. Other people experience anxiety in only specific situations, such as social situations; or experience anxiety or fear of specific objects such as elevators. Sometimes people have “panic attacks” in which they experience sudden, extreme, uncontrollable feelings of terror. Others experience intrusive thoughts that lead them to engage in repetitive behavior such as: checking, cleaning, washing or placing things in order. People may also experience anxiety, nightmares, and “flashbacks” after going through a very stressful or traumatic event.

Common Children’s Problems

In addition to suffering from depression and anxiety, children may experience a variety of other problems which can interfere with ability to function well at school. Some of the most common include:

– Learning disabilities or disorders: an inability to achieve academically consistent with what would be expected for that child’s intellectual level, age, and education. Common areas in which children experience learning disabilities include reading, math, and writing/written expression.
– Attention deficit disorder: a longstanding pattern of inattention, and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that is more severe than is usual for children of that age and development level.

The above children’s problems are optimally diagnosed by a thorough evaluation. Such evaluations typically include obtaining information from parents, children, and often teachers, as well as formal, structured psychological testing.

Contacting a therapist is a first step toward getting better.

For more information call 239-289-9796.