Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork. Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc. Loss of interest in pleasurable activities. Not tolerating praise or rewards. Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression.
People often feel uncomfortable talking about death.
However, asking the child or adolescent whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. With support from family and professional treatment, children and teenagers who are suicidal can heal and return to a more healthy path of development. Free distribution of single Facts sheets is a public service made possible by the Academy Endowment Fund. This fund supports educational programs and materials designed to educate parents, families, teachers, care givers, and others about the mental illnesses affecting nearly 12.5 million children and adolescents in an effort to de-stigmatize these illnesses, promote early identification and treatment, and encourage funding for scientifically based research. SELF-TEST Copyright 1998 Salem Service Corporation .