It is the second most costly disease there is to American society - just behind cancer. Depression is a scary subject for most people and we try to deny its existence. It is difficult to get the media to pay attention. This is a matter of better observation, not necessarily a real increase. Though it sounds silly today, that is the way the mental health community thought.
Depression is difficult to recognize in children.
Estimates are that 10 percent of children will suffer a depressive episode before age 12. Children usually don't have the capacity to step back and recognize that the way they are feeling is not normal for them. The symptom picture of depression in children and adolescents is also confusing because they cannot express their feelings as directly as adults. Irritability is a key indicator. Children may seem easily frustrated, cranky or moody.