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Dr. Chris Petersen, a psychiatrist at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, cited these symptoms of depression in a recent article.

Symptoms of child and teen depression:

  • Social withdrawal: A desire to remain isolated or restricted to a narrow peer group for weeks or months.
  • Isolation from peer group: Diminishing time and interaction with a previously close group of friends.
  • Symptoms of depression: Irritability, anger and sadness, as well as boredom in situations they would not normally consider boring.
  • Deteriorating grades and work habits.
  • Frequent fighting, becoming abusive.
  • Maintaining poor personal hygiene.
  • Abusing alcohol or drugs.
  • Changing sleep habits and appetite.

PARENTING ADVICE

RECOMMENDED READING

From George Schmidt, psychologist with the East Pennsboro Area School District. 

Both are by Anthony Wolf:

  • “Get Out of My Life … but first could you drive me and Cheryl to the Mall- Parent’s Guide to the Teenager.”
  • “It’s Not fair, Jeremy Spencer’s Parents Let Him Stay Up All Night.”
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