What depression looks like at every life stage

Genetics. Stressful life events. Certain medicines. Brain chemistry. Any of these things can play a role in depression.  

That’s a lot of possible causes. So, it makes sense that depression affects so many people. More than 8% of Americans say they have depression. And about 4% of kids ages 3 to 17 have it. 

It’s normal to feel sad sometimes. But depression is different. It’s a mood disorder. It causes a feeling of sadness and a lack of interest in everyday activities   that last for 2 weeks or more.  

Anyone can get depression. And the symptoms aren’t the same for every person. It can look different in kids, teens, and adults.  

But one thing is true for everyone: Treatment is important. That’s because depression doesn’t only affect your mind or mood. Over time, it can also harm your physical health if you don’t treat it.   

That’s why knowing the signs is key. Here are the red flags to watch for at every age.  

Depression in children  

The same things that can set an adult up for depression hold true for children, says psychologist Laura Bonomo, PhD. She’s the executive director of Abridged Psychology.  

A child’s mental health can also be impacted by: 

• Friendship issues 
• Spending too much time alone 
• Learning differences 

Another challenge with children? It’s tough for them to understand basic emotions, like anger or sadness. They also have a hard time telling you how they feel.  

Don't wait to hear from your child. Instead, watch out for mood or behavior changes that don’t go away. Signs include:  

• Seems more irritable and sadder than usual 
• No longer enjoys activities that used to make them happy 
• Seems tired a lot of the time 
• Has trouble focusing in school 
• Has more tantrums or angry outbursts 
• Cries more or mentions feeling worthless 
• Spends less time with friends 
• Has headaches and stomachaches 

A child doesn’t have to have all these symptoms to be depressed. Talk to your provider if you notice any of them. Ask about a screening and possible treatment.   

The most common treatments are child therapy, family therapy, or both. In some cases, your provider may suggest medicine. 

Therapy can have a positive impact for years to come. It can help your child learn healthier ways to think. And set them up for a happier life.  

Depression in teenagers 

Every teenager gets moody sometimes. But depression is not the same as moodiness. 

It’s key to know the difference so you don’t miss red flags.  

It can help to think about these three questions:  

1. Are the symptoms more severe than your teen’s usual bad mood?  
2. Have they lasted more than 2 weeks without a break? 
3. Are the symptoms affecting your child at school? At home? With friends? 

If the answer is “yes,” it could be depression. Common symptoms of depression in teens can include:   

• Struggling at school 
• Doesn’t want to go to school 
• Seems restless or agitated a lot of the time 
• Overreacts to criticism 
• Talks about feeling sad, worthless, or guilty 
• Uses alcohol or drugs 
• Doesn’t care about their looks 
• Has thoughts of harming themselves 

Treatment is important at any age, but especially for teens. The reason? Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 10- to 14-year-olds. And it’s the third leading cause of death in teens and young adults.   

Teens with depression may also be more likely to cope by using drugs and alcohol. Or by having unprotected sex. They might spend time with other kids who have those same tendencies, says Bonomo.  

Worried? Talk to your teen’s provider. They are trained to know the difference between moodiness and depression. They can get your child the help they need. Treatment plans may include therapy, medicine, or both.   

Depression in adults 

People with a family history of depression have a higher chance of getting the disorder. Difficult life events like divorce or job loss can also up the risk. 

Positive events can sometimes trigger depression too. Think: becoming a new parent or seeing your child off to college. 

Symptoms aren’t the same for every adult. One person may just have a few symptoms. Another person might have a lot of them.  

Some common signs of adult depression include: 

• Changes in sleeping, appetite, and weight 
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy 
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or angry for most of the day  
• Low energy  
• Feeling restless or sluggish 
• Feeling like a failure 
• Problems thinking clearly, focusing, and making decisions 
• Lack of interest in sex 
• Drinking more or using drugs 
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide 

How does a provider diagnose depression? You must have symptoms most of the day, every day for at least 2 weeks. Getting treatment is vital.  

Adults who don’t get treated may turn to unhealthy ways of coping. For example, they may drink too much or use drugs. Or they may harm themselves. Suicide is more common among men in this age group: Middle-aged white men have the highest rate of suicide deaths in the United States.  

Tell your provider if you think you’re depressed. They can create a treatment plan for you. It may include therapy plus prescription drugs.  

Depression in older adults 

Depression is a common problem in older adults. “But it is not a normal part of aging,” says Dennis M. Popeo, MD. That’s important to know. Dr. Popeo is a clinical professor of psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. 

Some issues that are more common as we age may be at play. For example: 

• Medical issues like stroke or cancer 
• Mobility issues like trouble walking 
• Loneliness 
• Sleep problems 
• Stress from caring for a spouse who is sick 

Often, there isn’t one specific thing, says Dr. Popeo. It could be a combination of symptoms. Common signs of depression in older people include:  

• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or anxious 
• Worrying that something is wrong 
• Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy 
• Thinking or memory problems 
• Sleep problems 
• Changes in appetite or weight 
• Thoughts of suicide  

Diagnosing depression in older adults can be a challenge. They may have other health issues that cause depression-like symptoms. Or they may have a health issue that raises the chance of depression. Suicide is also a risk.  

Talking to a provider can help untangle what’s going on. The right treatment plan may include therapy, medication, or both.  

One caution: Older adults may be more sensitive to medicines. They also may take multiple medicines for other conditions. This can put them at risk for drug interactions. Older adults should tell their provider about all medicines they take.    

Article sources: 

Depression statistics: MSD Manual Professional Version; Mental Health America  

Depression overview: National Institute of Mental Health; Cleveland Clinic 

Statistic on kids and depression: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Suicide statistics: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 

Depression in kids and teens: Cleveland Clinic 

Suicide risk factors: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  

Depression and older adults: National Institute on Aging