Is it possible for a child or teen to get depression?

Question

I'm 12 and I used to be so different....then all of a sudden I just didn't want to socialize anymore. Sometimes I'll cry just because I feel like it. And I have these negative thoughts that people don't like me and like I'm not as good as everyone else. Is it possible I have an anxiety disorder at 12?

Could the death of my father have something to do with it?

Answer 1

It is very possible hun. Don't wait one more minute and contact a doctor if you feel that you cannot control your mood. If you are always feeling down it's ok because there are people out there that genuinely want to help you. If you don't want the drug approach, then counseling will help. Good luck, and don't wait until the depression is unbearable.

Answer 2

Yes, anyone can at any age. At 12 your problem may also be partly your age as well, when puberty starts hitting people get ALL KINDS of emotions. I remember hearing about how girls that age would sometimes just burst into tears over almost nothing, and when I got there I found that it was true and normal. Many girls even will burst into tears if someone just looks at them the 'wrong' way. Seems strange, but it's totally normal. It is also common for a lot of kids to spend more time in their own rooms and be a bit anti-social for a time. I think this may all be a big part of what you are experiencing, and it will get better. I experienced all that and by my later teens it was totally different and better. If it is like that literally all the time though, it might do you some good to visit with a therapist a few times, just to let them help you figure out what you are going through, what all is normal right now, and how to deal.


Edit:
Absolutely the death or your father would play a big part, or all of it, if you are feeling crappy! I'm sorry that your dad passed away. : ( Take care and hope you are feeling better in time.

Answer 3

Yes, it is not only possible but common for children and teens to develop depression and anxiety disorders. Depression, however, is not an anxiety disorder. You may have what we call 'comorbid' depression and anxiety, meaning that they occur at the same time. Treatment for depression includes learning different ways to think about and consider the things that happen in your life. This can be augmented with medications (antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft), but I would not recommend medications until you see a therapist. Anxiety is treated in much the same way. The fact that you think others might have bad feelings about you and don't like you may mean that you have what is called Social Phobia, sometimes referred to as Social Anxiety Disorder. I would talk with your parents about this and decide with them if you should see a therapist. There are excellent facilities across the country for the treatment of these conditions, and as such you should have no trouble finding one. Good luck, and I hope you feel better!

Answer 4

Hi Allie,

yes it's possible that you're going through a depression...things that at one time had zest and fun now appear bland. You seem really intelligent. The good news is that because you seem like such an intelligent person, you'll surprise yourself one day by overcoming it and helping others that were once in your shoes.

Here's my advice, ask around...your teachers, the principal if a group could be set up perhaps to meet like once or twice a week where the participants sit around in a circle and just talk about subjects that affect everyone. You should be the leader. If you're interested let me know and I'll help you out in setting it up.

good luck my friend.

Answer 5

The mood's you're having could be any number of things. What you need to do is keep a diary, write down how you're feeling and the time the different feelings happen. What a dr. can do is look at the information, like how often the crying spells happen, or how often any other mood happens. The idea is to look for a pattern. The dr. can then help you with whatever is going on.

It could be something as simple as the hormones of puberty setting in, which comes with tons of mood swings too, OR it could be something else mixed in. The only way to tell is to talk to your dr.

Answer 6

Absolutely......it's either normal hormones changing in your body , which can cause the crying, which is good to get it out....or possibly family troubles or even a chemical imbalance. Being a teenager (almost) it's natural to feel like you're feeling, but the negative thoughts are not normal. Talk to someone who is upbeat & positive. I dont think you have anxiety disorder, but I believe you are having anxiety over things that can be normal for a teenager, but you need to work on the feelings & talk to someone, even if it is a friend....but a positive upbeat friend. I just spoke with my 14 yr old daughter & she said the same thing, she had alot of negativity & one of her upbeat friends helped her.

Answer 7

Basic answer is, yes.

Especially by the time a person reaches their preteen years, they may be subject to the same mental disorders adults do.

The thing is, many younger children can also get clinical depression, anxiety attacks, etc.

In your case, I suggest you speak with a school counselor. That person should be able to make some recommendations about what you can do. Your issues may be beyond that person's help, but simply by seeking help, a person, such as you can begin to feel better. The counseler may be able to recommend outside help.

Also, you may wish anonominity when you talk to the counselor, but there are some kinds of things he or she may be required to report to parents or to authorities. You may have genuine concerns about that. Talk to the counselor about what kinds of issues these might be.

But please keep in mind, those kind of issues are the ones that put your life or your health at risk. That is why they must be reported. Those teens with those kinds of problems really need the outside help, and should find the strength not to keep them secret.

It may not be easy, but then, neither is living with depression.

Answer 8

It certainly is possible if you don't meet up with the standards of the group peer pressure. If you
give in and do drugs or drink just to please the group, you'll be worse off. Get yourself some nice quiet hobbies to keep your mind active.
Remember that it's your life and you should enjoy it as much as you can. You can always get new friends. You are just beginning to go through puberty, and it could be that your hormones are changing and your brain is developing with the rest of your body.
Choose something interesting to do on the computer, get some books at the library, listen to some music, get a police radio scanner and listen to what is happening in your neighborhood. Have fun and remember it may be their problem and not your problem.

Answer 9

There are two answers, one you are going through a big change with your body, and from watching my daughter go through this, it is pure misery. The other answer is yes, I was born with depression/anxiety problem. (almost rode a horse to death because of it). Go talk to your school nurse, or female teacher you like, an Aunt or Big sister if you cannot talk to your Mom. It can be as simple as your body growing up and you having to adapt to its changes or it could be something real. Help is always there if you just reach out.

Answer 10

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