Not only adults become depressed; children and teenagers also may have depression. Depression is defined as an illness when a child’s or adolescent’s feelings of depression persist and interfere with the ability to function. About five percent of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depression at any given time. Children under stress, who experience loss, or who have attention, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Depression can also run in families; as with all other mental illnesses, your chance of a mental health diagnosis increases if there is someone in your family who also has a mental illness or mood disorder.
The behaviour of depressed children and teenagers may differ from the behaviour of depressed adults. Child and adolescent psychiatrists advise parents to be aware of the following signs and symptoms of depression in a child or teen. If one or more of these signs of depression persist, parents should seek help.

•    Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
•    Hopelessness
•    Decreased interest in activities/inability to enjoy favorite activities
•    Persistent boredom; low energy
•    Social isolation, poor communication
•    Low self esteem and guilt
•    Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
•    Increased irritability, anger or hostility
•    Difficulty with relationships
•    Complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomach aches
•    Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
•    Poor concentration
•    Major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
•    Talk of or efforts to run away from home
•    Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behaviour

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for depressed children. Depression is a real illness that requires professional help. For treatment, parents should ask their physician to refer them to a qualified mental health professional who can diagnose and treat depression in children and teenagers.