Can a three year old suffer from depression?

Question

Over the past few months his behavior has changed. He cries for several hours during the night, and looses a lot of sleep. I ask him why he's crying and he says he doesnt know. He's been a lot more agressive lately too. My husband and I rarely argue, and if we do we do it quietly behind closed doors. We both work full time, and it's sometimes hard to spend as much time with him as we should. He also complains at night about not feeling well, and he wants medicine. His behavior is taking a toll on all three of us. HELP....

Answer 1

I think he just wants attention, if you aren't spending much time with him he is doing all this behaviour to get his mum and dad's attention. He may be getting a little down that he isnt getting enough attention. Being so young, he probably can't fully understand it, which is why he is confused about why he cries and feels the way he does.

I suggest trying to spend more time with him, if his behaviour continues then maybe you should get professional help.

Answer 2

I know I was about 4 or 5 when I realized the way my thoughts were not normal and have struggled with depression my whole life (am now 26). But my four year old has recently started the same thing, suddenly the child who has always slept in his own room without any problem at all cries all night unless he can sleep in our room. I've gotten different answers, ie there are monsters, he's scared of having nightmares, he hears voices talking to him and he can't sleep...but whatever the reason, I think he's old enough to be swamped by his thoughts, however uncomplicated they might be. Being alone, at night, in the dark, even children can be overwhelmed with their own questions and thoughts. I think if they aren't rushed through the process, they will grow out of it. I suggest you let him tell you whatever reason he wants as though its legit, and then let him suggest to you what would make him feel better and then tell him you'll comply but only for a while (like sleeping in your room, but on the floor not in bed with you) and address the issue little by little until night time isn't so scary anymore. Of course, it could be a real medical issue, so if you can't figure it out there's no shame in contacting a doctor.

Answer 3

When I was five, my parents started thinking I may have depression.

However, it's really uncommon for a child that young to have depression, so you probably want to rule out anything possible.

Offhand, I'm thinking you need to kind of investigate into his school/daycare. Does he act that way there? Have there been major changes they've noticed? Total behavior changes in children can be the result of changes in life, but can also be the result of mistreatment, abuse, or neglect. Ask about if he plays well with others at school, if he has friends, etc.

After you rule out anything circumstancial, talk to his doctor about your concerns.

I'm wondering, is it possible his lack of sleep is the cause, not the effect? Like, something keeps him up, and as he gets more physically, mentally and emotionally tired, he cries? Several things can keep a child up at night, like being afraid of the dark, not wanting to be left alone in his room, having nightmares, etc. Many kids that small respond to fatigue by becoming moody, crying, or whining.

Answer 4

Three year olds go through a lot at this age, they understand more and want more but their little brains are not quite up there yet. Just reassure the little one and try to spent quality time with him and talk about the things that happenend thoughout the day. Bed time routines can include this How was your day talk as well if you ran out of time before. Try not to get upset because they don't understand it either. It works for us!

Answer 5

Sounds like he is not getting his basic emotional needs. TO me, busy is no excuse. I am sorry, its easy to say, but child needs you guys the MOST. Does he have any neighbor friend he can hang out with, and get along with? What does he like to do? How about let him join Karate class? I work with children and a Karate instructor. It is very good for children as well as adult. I started Karate because I was depressed, and had no self-esteem. It changed my life. One of the best gift I gave it to myself. Be selective and go visit different schools to see if you like the instructor however. Make sure he / she likes kids and good with kids. I do not believe he needs medication at his age. but I am not a Doctor. I just think he needs to get engaged in some activity, and spice up his life. spoil him a little, well, you could NEVER spoil a child with love.

Answer 6

It's possible, but a medical cause should be ruled out first. Take him to the doctor. If your doctor isn't sure, a referral to a pediatric neurologist or another specialist might be a good idea.

Answer 7

Not to be all freaky and paranormal, but have you ever had strange things happen in the house perhaps? This seriously could be a rare case of 'strange things, not of this world' maybe you should watch a haunting on discovery. It sounds like a lot of similar stories....
that could be it? maybe.

however it could also be many things, has he started daycare recently? Is someone perhaps making fun of him?
Is a sitter perhaps harming him?
And just because you 'think' when you argue he does not hear you, does not mean he doesn't hear you.

Have you recently moved? this could effect a childs behavior. has someone dissappeared out of his life? is he around different people? people you trust? It could be a factor of many mnay things.

Answer 8

I'm not sure about depression, but ADHD is possible. My brother suffered from it. He behaved pretty similarly. I'm not a doctor though - I would make an appointment asap - there's no need for your son to feel this way any longer!

Answer 9

He could have gas and for a little one like that it is very painful. I would watch what you give him. Healthy EVERYTHING! If things don't get better, I would for sure take him to a doctor!

Answer 10

PLEASE SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!

I was 4 and was treated for depression,,,
at that young, it will be therapy, NO MEDS....
I was left by my real mother,
left by my grandmother,
put in foster care,
and once I got attached to her,
I was adopted,,,
I was treated for issues of not feeling wanted,
being rejected by my new mother,
and abandonment and separation issues.
Yes, It is possible,,,,,,