Childhood is a happy time, right? Not necessarily. Consider these facts.        Depression may occur in as many as 1 in 33 children.        Once a child has an episode of depression, he or she has a 50 percent chance of experiencing another episode in the next 5 years.        Suicide is the 6th leading cause of death for 5--to--15-year-olds.        If your child experiences 5 or more of these signs or symptoms for at least 2 weeks, he or she may be experiencing depression or another mental illness.        Feeling--Does your child demonstrate:        1Sadness                 2Emptiness              3Hopelessness         4Guilt        5Worthlessness        6Lack of enjoyment in everyday pleasures        Thinking--Is your child having trouble:        1Concentrating        2Making decisions    3Completing schoolwork        4Maintaining grades  5Maintaining friendships        Physical problems--Does your child complain of:        1Headaches             2Stomachaches        3Lack of energy        4Sleeeping problems(too much or too little)        5Weight or appetite changes(gain or loss)        Behavior problems--Is your child:        1Irritable                 2Not wanting to go to school        3Wanting to be alone most of the time        4Having difficulty getting along with others        5Cutting classes or skipping school        6Dropping out of sports, hobbies or other activities        Drinking alcohol or using drugs.        Suicide risk--Does your child talk or think about:        1Suicide                 2Death                    3Other morbid subjects        Sometimes, a child who causes problems at school or at home may actually be depressed, according to the prefix = st1 /AmericanAcademyof Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.If you think your child may be depressed, it's important to have your child treated. Discuss your child's problems with his or her doctor. The doctor may suggest a referral to a children's psychologist or psychiatrist .        Treatment may include individual and family therapy , along with an antidepressant medication. This article is particularly written for_.
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