Once a young person has experienced a major depression, he or she is at risk of developing another depression within the next five years. May 8 is set aside to recognize Childhood Depression Awareness Day and help parents recognize the signs of childhood depression. You may think that children have no cause to be depressed, however, depression is a real illness that can strike children and teens as well as adults.
Clinical depression goes beyond sadness.
It's not having a bad day or a personal weakness. Children suffering from clinical depression cannot simply snap out of it, said Dr. Edd D. Rhoades, Interim Deputy Commissioner for Family Health Services. There is concern that two-thirds of children with mental health problems do not get the help they need, Rhoades said. Health professionals warn that the signs of depression are not easy to identify in children. Symptoms may come on abruptly and last for weeks or months.