Depression is only for adults, right? Wrong. Teens, even young children, can suffer from depression and need treatment to improve. In fact, as many as 3 in 100 young children and 9 in 100 teens have serious depression, according to Michael J. Sexton, MD.

Do you suspect your child, or a child you may know, is suffering from depression? It's critical to know more about depression and to learn how to recognize the signs.

A child may be depressed if he or she shows any of the following signs:

• is grumpy, sad, or bored most of the time
• does not take pleasure in things he or she used to enjoy
• loses or gains weight
• sleeps too much or too little
• feels hopeless, worthless, or guilty
• has trouble concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
• thinks about death or suicide a lot

Kids need love and support to learn just about everything in life. Most parents already have a pretty good idea how to teach their kids how to dress, do chores around the house, or throw a curveball. But it's equally important to teach them how to handle their emotions. The benefits are obvious, and most likely you'll grow closer to them.

If you are worried about a child who may be depressed, learn more about the symptoms in children and what you can do to help.

filed in: Mind Body Spirit
subjects: childrens-health, depression, emotional-health