Unfortunately depression does not only plague adults. The number of children that are experiencing depression is really quite shocking. When you think of childhood, it should spring memories of happiness and carefree days when playing with friends was fun and hanging out with family was great. But, this is not as common for tweens these days.
Kids are faced with pressure from so many angles from homework, to an overabundance of extracurricular activities, to competition with peers, and more. It seems that girls are more apt to become depressed than boys. Family history of depression also plays a role in who will become more prone to depression.
We all have bad days, and that is no different whether you are 10 years old or 50 years old. These bad days do not define a child with depression. But, knowing warning signs for depression that persist for a long period of time, should tip you off that your child needs your help. No one knows your child better than you, so early detection of depressive symptoms should not be too hard.
Just knowing that she has loving support from her family can make a huge difference in a child's feelings and emotions.