DEPRESSION

Depression often comes with a profound sadness about oneself and life. Basic functions (sleep, attention, appetite, energy) can be so impaired that daily life activities become painful to tolerate. Like adults, children and teenagers can have depression. About five percent of children and adolescents suffer from depression, but the behavior of depressed children and teenagers may differ from the behavior of depressed adults. The child and teenager may complain of boredom, become very irritable or complain of frequent headaches and stomachaches. Depressed individuals may abuse alcohol or other drugs to cope with their feelings.