Like adults, children may also experience depression. Children with problems like learning disorders, attention disorders or health problems are more likely to experience depression.

The obvious signs of depression to look out for are:

• Feelings of sadness accompanied by crying or tearfulness

• Poor performance in school

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

A cheerful child may suddenly become quieter and withdraw from his friends and keep more to himself. He may also express negative feelings or expressions like suicide. A well behave child may suddenly become rebellious and uncooperative.

Hence, parents need to constantly monitor their children to ensure any problems faced by them are solved immediately. There are so many reasons for a child to become depressed and it can also run in the family. Communication and interaction with the child may help to clear any worries that he has causing him to become troubled and unhappy. For severe cases of depression, medical treatment or professional help is necessary which may also include the use of antidepressant medication.