[Self-Test] Depression in Children

She loves to ride her bike up and down the block, but when the neighbor stops by for a ride, she says she is too tired.

The teacher has been in touch because his grades are on a downward spiral.

He’s always been full of confidence, but lately has been saying things like, “All the other kids in class are smarter than me.”

Usually, he’s racing around the house after dinner asking everyone to come outside and play catch. Lately, he’s been a bump on a log even when you try to get him moving.

Homework is always a struggle, but sometimes it seems like your child is incapable of even sitting down and getting started.

Your usually agreeable child is now a constant grump.

Your child doesn’t want to have a birthday party because she says she doesn’t have any friends she would want to invite.

Sometimes, you make your child’s favorite after-school snack, but she says she isn't hungry, and then only picks at her dinner.

Even when you go out of your way to cheer him up, your child may still seem down in the dumps.

Your child is easily distracted, even when doing things she likes, such as making cookies with Mom.

One or both of the child’s biological parents has a history of depression.

He doesn’t want to join the soccer team this year because he says, “I was never any good at it anyways. Why bother?”

If the movie you want to see is sold out, your child may burst into tears.

His favorite video game may sit untouched for weeks, even after you offer to have friends over to play with.

Your child is scared of monsters under the bed, and very jumpy at the slightest sounds.

When you ask about recess, your child says, “No one wanted to play with me.”

She’s regularly a chatty Kathy at home after school, but can be eerily quiet for days or weeks on end.

Simple decisions, like what to wear in the morning, are extremely difficult for your child to make.

Even after a bedtime story, your child can’t seem to fall asleep, and wakes up in the middle of the night more often than not.