could my 7 year old be depressed

My son is 7 and seems to have issues with serious mood swings. He can be calm and happy and just great but some days (or sometimes changes can happen within the same hour) he is very VERY sad and upset and anxious and even angry.  He can be hard to control in those times and even violent.  He worries a lot. He claims he can't control these moods and they obviously upset and scare him too. I understand that all kids have mood swings but is it possible for a child this small to have a more serious condition? I'm especially sensitive as my father is bi-polar and my husband suffers from depression so it is in the family.  I wont medicate someone who is seven but wonder what kind of help I can offer him (and us)
Thanks to anyone with insight

[jdtm]

Our child was diagnosed with depression at six years of age.  But, I think there is more here than just depression, and yes, it is very possible for a child of seven to have mental health issues (we knew there were issues when our child was only four).   I think it is time that you asked your family doctor for a referral for a specialist in childhood mental health/behavioural issues.  At worst, you will know what the problem is and how to begin treating it; at best, your worries will be laid to rest.

[profmom]

thanks for that. I'm curious how you have proceeded with your sons depression diagnosis?

[jdtm]

Our child was diagnosed with severe social anxiety and depression at six years of age by a child psychiatrist.  The treatment was intervention, therapy and after several months, the introduction of medication.  These various methods took several years; we are still using a very low dose of medication today.  The depression was a result of the severe anxiety - co-morbid, if you will. The progress today is remarkable and I believe one of the main reasons was our early "attack" on the disorder.  

[zkmom]

Hi I have a 7 year old with really bad mood swings also.  My  mom is Bi Polar also.  I have adr appt  for him Monday I just dont know what to do he told he was going to kill himself.  He hit his head on the side of our house 32x all today.  Has anyone else dealt with this... I have 4 yr daughter that is picking stuff up from him.

[Focusissues]

We were having issues similar to this and it turned out to be a medication he was taking for Asthma and Exzema (eczema). Is you son on meds for anything? It could be a diet and excercise thing too. I'm not discounting that he could very well have depression and I would suggest medical help but there would be no harm in also cutting out added sugars and artificial additives and trying to get him in sports if he is not already. Healthy bodies make healthy minds.

[lovingmommy104]

I have an almost 8 year old daughter. I have noted unusual sociall occurances with my daughter since kindergatern. She has what seems to been hign anxiety (chews everything..shirts, pencils, erasers). To make a long story short. Held her back to first grade again, applied her in cheerleading. Cheerleadin/ exercise seemed to improve everything (except social issues). When cheerleading stopped/Exercise. Chewing started again, along with her social isolation. This seems to annoy teachers and coaches. She was just recently diagnosed with depression and prescribed Prozac. Want to help our little girl...but prozac? Starting therapy next week. Help with any suggestions

[lovingmommy104]

I have an almost 8 year old daughter. I have noted unusual sociall occurances with my daughter since kindergatern. She has what seems to been hign anxiety (chews everything..shirts, pencils, erasers). To make a long story short. Held her back to first grade again, applied her in cheerleading. Cheerleadin/ exercise seemed to improve everything (except social issues). When cheerleading stopped/Exercise. Chewing started again, along with her social isolation. This seems to annoy teachers and coaches. She was just recently diagnosed with depression and prescribed Prozac. Want to help our little girl...but prozac? Starting therapy next week. Help with any suggestions