Childhood is a happy time, right? Not necessarily. Consider these facts.
Depression(抑郁症) may occur in as many as 1 in 33 children.
Once a child has an episode(一段情节) of depression, he or she has a 50 percent chance of experiencing another episode in the next 5 years.
Suicide(自杀) 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(症状) for at least 2 weeks, he or she may be experiencing depression or another mental illness.
Feeling——Does your child demonstrate:
Sadness
Emptiness
Hopelessness
Guilt
Worthlessness
Lack of enjoyment in everyday pleasures
Thinking ——Is your child having trouble:
Concentrating
Making decisions
Completing schoolwork
Maintaining grades
Maintaining friendships
Physical problems ——Does your child complain of :
Headaches
Stomachaches
Lack of energy
Sleeping problems ( too much or too little)
Weight or appetite changes ( gain or loss)
Behavior problems ——Is your child:
Irritable（烦躁）
Not wanting to go to school
Wanting to be alone most of the time
Having difficulty getting along with others
Cutting classes or skipping school
Dropping out of sports, hobbies or other activities
Drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Suicide risk——Does your child talk or think about:
Suicide
Death
Other morbid（生病的）subjects
Sometimes, a child who causes problems at school or at home may actually be depressed, according to the American Academy of 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(心理医生)or psychiatrist（精神病医生）.
Treatment may include individual and family therapy(治疗), along with an antidepressant medication (抗抑郁药)
This article is particularly written for ____.
A. parents B. teachers C. children D. Psychologists
Which statement describes a child who may have physical problems?
A. The child is always in high mood.
B. The child always feels tired but sleeps only four hours a day.
C. The child hates to study.
D. The child can not concentrate on one thing for a long period.
What should we do when we find our kids experiencing depression?
A. Ask for leave to accompany them at home.
B. Ask them to take antidepressant immediately.
C. Go to see the doctor.
D. Ask them to have a good rest.