can you get deperssion at the age of 12?

Question

i always feel realy down , and sad . is it depression or somthing else

Answer 1

Yes, children can and do get depressed. And there is usually a reason. Is there something you feel you are to blame for? My niece felt like she caused her parents breakup and she felt like her dad didn't love her and she hated going to his house for her bi-monthly visits. Her mom took her to a psychologist and she came out of it.

Talk to a trusty adult, get some help, you'll get better.

Answer 2

Hi Holly,
funny I used to ask that when i first got it at the age of 19 (believe me that's not that old)..I thought only middle aged people got it, but I was wrong..anyone can get it. It is rarer in younger children, but also becoming more common. You do need to talk to someone you trust about it, especially if this feeling has lasted for a good while for no real apparent reason. Depression is more than just feeling down and you need to ask yourself if there is actually something happening in your life thats making you feel down like school, a boy, bullying, your home situation and maybe not the actual illness of depression. As someone else said it could be your teenage years but if this is troubling you, you should ask an adults advice, that way at least you can put your mind at rest as worrying won't help ya pet! I hope you feel better soon and get some good advice! Best of luck!

Answer 3

this might help

What is depression?
Sometimes when people feel sad, they say they are "depressed." But depression is more than just feeling sad. It's a medical illness. Someone who has "major" depression has most or all of the symptoms listed in the box below nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks or longer. There is also a "minor" form of depression that causes less severe symptoms. Both have the same causes and treatment.



Your body contains chemicals that help control your moods. When you don't have enough of these chemicals or when your brain doesn't respond to them properly, you may become depressed. Depression can be genetic (meaning it can run in families). Abusing drugs or alcohol can also lead to depression. Some medical problems and medications can lead to depression.

Depression is not a normal part of growing older, but it is common in adults age 65 and over. Retirement, health problems and the loss of loved ones are things that happen to older adults. Feeling sad at these times is normal. But if these feelings persist and keep you from your usual activities, you should talk to your doctor.



Symptoms of depression
No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy, including sex
Feeling sad or numb
Crying easily or for no reason
Feeling slowed down or feeling restless and irritable
Feeling worthless or guilty
Change in appetite; unintended change in weight
Trouble recalling things, concentrating or making decisions
Headaches, backaches or digestive problems
Problems sleeping, or wanting to sleep all of the time
Feeling tired all of the time
Thoughts about death or suicide

Answer 4

Yes you can without a doubt, i was diagnosed with clinical depression at 13 and was put on anti depressants at 13 to and have been on them since, i think i had depression at 12 it just never took over me like what it did when i was 13 and upwards x x x

Answer 5

Yes you could become depressed at 12, but it could just be that you are adjusting to growing up into an adult and are finding it difficult.Hormones are very strange things to have to deal with.Have you tried talking to some-one sweetie? What about talking to your parents or a fave auntie or uncle? You must remember that you are NOT alone and somewhere there is someone who CAN help you to feel better about yourself. Take care.

Answer 6

Depression is something that can be had at any age. Adolecent depression not something to be ashamed about. Half of all pre-teens and teens become depressed at some point in thier lives. Check with your school counselor for some info. Or google Adolecent depression, it will give you signs, symptoms and other helpful information. And above all, talk to a parent or trusted adult. That is what they are there for. :) God Bless

Answer 7

I started suffering depression aged 8. There can be many different reasons, and depending on who you go to an who you believe it can be any number of things. From clinical depression caused by "a chemical inbalance" I quote that 'cus personally I don't agree with that method of psychological classification.
The majority of kids shouldn't be sent to shrinks at that age I firmly believe that you need different ways of percieving the world in which you live in, instead of carrying that label and the stigma that comes with it.
If your alienated from your peers because you can't understand why they don't care about things in the same way as you do people label it as depression, its soo wrong. But that is my opinion, everyone is different an I really disagree with the one size fits all aproach of the mental health service towards kids of that age.

If you want to chat about anything, feel free to get in touch an I'll help any way I can. IM or email.

I know how much I needed to relate to someone at that age and didn't get the help from proffesional services. In one year I was defered from nine psychiatrists all saying they weren't qualified to deal with my condition!!! WTF? that was helpfull.

Answer 8

Depression can come at any age. You need to talk to a doctor or someone you can trust that can help you. I know it is hard to do, but depression is a bad way to live. The sooner you get it figured out, the better.

Answer 9

at 12 years old my darling changes are happening to your body(growing pains)try talking to mum,dad,a teacher ect.. too many kids these days don't talk to their parents .I have 5 daughters and they know they can talk to me or there dad about anything but they wouldn`t always it was hard work to get there.Have you got a Friend you can talk too?my daughters are 15/13 and 12 and would love a pal on here to chat to.

Answer 10

yes. it is very easy for twelve year olds to get depression. im 12 and i have it. a lot of it is because of stress. take a day or 2 out of school and just relax. it helps me a lot.