Children's Experts Warn: Don't Ignore Kids On National Depression Screening Day, ...(but will instead manifest it behaviorall...),Health

outbursts, disciplinary problems in school, and aggressive or

negative behavior, including looking or acting bored, especially if

kids don't have a past history of such behaviors, calls for closer

attention.

2. SLEEP CHANGES. In adults, this may be trouble sleeping. In children

and younger teens, there may be an overabundance of sleep, withdrawing

and sleeping after school, or refusing to get out of bed. In older

adolescents, you're more likely to see patterns of trouble falling

asleep and early morning awakening.

3. APPETITE CHANGES.

Significant weight loss or gain (as much as 25 pounds) one way or the

other in a few months. Although it can vary, it is typical of older

teens to lose weight, while younger children and young teens may gain

significantly.

4. IRREGULARITY OF BOWEL MOVEMENTS.

Withholding or accidents in children normally old enough to control

their bowel movements.

5. SCHOOL PROBLEMS.

Sudden negative changes in youngsters' interest or performance,

including a drop in grades, disciplinary problems, lack of completing

homework, etc.

6. EXTENDED NEGATIVE REACTION TO CRISES.

A reaction more severe and longer than would normally be expected

following a death, divorce, a move to a new school, etc. Typically,

children can adapt to these stressors within several weeks to, in the

case of a death, up to a year.

7. LOSS OF INTEREST IN OLD PLEASURES.

The child loses interest and pleasure in activities that were

previously a source of enjoyment.

8. CHANGE OF FRIENDS AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR

The child gives up old friends and there may be a shift in the type of

friends with whom the child spends time to a group perceived as less'/>"/>