Common Signs of Depression
Depressive states range from mild (dysthymic) to major.
When gifted children do not have access to like-minded peers, indifferentiated school programs, and appropriate learning experiences it is clear that this may put them at risk for depression. These children can show signs of depression as early as age 7.
At this early age, signs of depression may include:
Some other common signs of depression may include:
Some signs of severe depression may include:
Gifted children at risk for suicide:
Signs of suicide and the possible connections between mood disorders, hypersensitivity and suicide in the gifted may include:
Becoming aware of these symptoms will enable those who work and live with the gifted to more quickly identify children who may be in need of assessment or intervention. It is also important to note that many signs of suicide are also indicators of mood disorders.
Because nearly half of all suicide victims suffered from depression (Papolos & Papolos, 1992), counselors, teachers and parents must be aware of the characteristics associated with a mood disorder along with the signs of suicide.
When gifted children do not have access to like-minded peers, indifferentiated school programs, and appropriate learning experiences it is clear that this may put them at risk for depression. These children can show signs of depression as early as age 7.
At this early age, signs of depression may include:
- Social Withdrawal
- Acting out behaviors
- Acute intellectualization
- Decreased performance
- Refusal to work in a team
- Excessive sadness
Some other common signs of depression may include:
- Loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Shift of energy and activity levels
- Lethargic or extremely agitated
- Poor appetite, weight loss
- Increased appetite, weight gain
- Negative self-concept and self blame
- Pessimism
- Pervasive feelings of worthlessness
- Guilt and despair
Some signs of severe depression may include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed thinking
- Mental fuzziness
- Lack of cohesion in thought patterns
- Indecisiveness
- Dark thoughts
- Thoughts of death and suicide
Gifted children at risk for suicide:
Signs of suicide and the possible connections between mood disorders, hypersensitivity and suicide in the gifted may include:
- Changes in appearance (no longer caring for ones clothes)
- No longer concerned about plans for the future
- Giving away important possessions
- Making statements such as "I wish I were dead"
- History of family abuse and neglect
- Decline in school performance
Becoming aware of these symptoms will enable those who work and live with the gifted to more quickly identify children who may be in need of assessment or intervention. It is also important to note that many signs of suicide are also indicators of mood disorders.
Because nearly half of all suicide victims suffered from depression (Papolos & Papolos, 1992), counselors, teachers and parents must be aware of the characteristics associated with a mood disorder along with the signs of suicide.