Childhood Depression: Symptoms and Warning Signs Parents Can’t Ignore

Childhood depression is often misunderstood — dismissed as moodiness, shyness, or just a “phase.” But the symptoms of depression in children are real, and if ignored, they can have lifelong consequences.

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Sally shares her personal story of living with depression from the age of ten, when her pain went unnoticed by those around her. From losing a supportive grandmother to writing poetry that reflected her despair, Sally’s story reveals how early warning signs of depression in children can be overlooked — and why awareness matters.

This episode explores what childhood depression looks like, how stigma silences families, and what parents, teachers, and mentors can do to recognize the symptoms early. It’s a reminder that noticing the signs and offering support can change — and even save — a child’s life.

Link to symptoms: https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-children#1

Link to Netflix documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/80196138

Primary Topics Covered

• Why childhood depression is often misinterpreted or ignored
• Sally’s personal story of depression beginning at age ten
• Early symptoms of depression in children, including sleep changes and sadness
• The impact of losing her grandmother and lack of family support
• Poetry and writing as early expressions of depression
• Teachers noticing warning signs but parents dismissing them
• The silence and stigma that prevented early intervention
• Diagnosis and first medication at age 21
• Building resilience and managing depression as an adult
• Advice for parents, teachers, and mentors on recognizing symptoms
• How early recognition and intervention can prevent lifelong struggles

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction  
01:00 – Why childhood depression is often misunderstood  
01:20 – Sally reflects on her 10- and 13-year-old self  
02:17 – Early symptoms: sadness, excessive sleeping, feeling “different”  
03:26 – Losing her grandmother and the absence of guidance  
04:12 – Writing poetry as an outlet for unrecognized depression  
05:09 – Teacher notices dark writing, but family ignores signs  
06:08 – Rediscovering letters that showed depression at age 10  
07:30 – What her grandmother might have done differently  
08:42 – Receiving a diagnosis and medication at age 21  
09:32 – Experiencing happiness for the first time in decades  
10:06 – The reality of managing depression long-term  
11:35 – Building a successful career while living with depression  
12:30 – Describing “the pit” of depression  
13:44 – Sally’s ongoing work supporting *Giving Voice to Depression*  
14:29 – Why internet resources could have changed her childhood  
14:44 – The importance of ending stigma and recognizing symptoms early  
15:39 – How early support could have altered her life’s trajectory  
17:16 – Closing reflections and thanks  

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