different in children. Children who are depressed are often irritable, grouchy, moody, have

difficulty with their peer relationships. They don't enjoy things that they usually

would be very excited about. Sometimes they'll be isolated and seem to be withdrawn from

family and their peers. Children who are depressed may not perform as well in school. There may

be a decline in grades, or teachers may comment that they're struggling to stay focused and

pay attention. Other things include them having poor performance in sports or other extracurricular

activities where they once performed very well.

It's very easy, sometimes, for parents and other adults to overlook some of these signs

and symptoms because it's commonly said, "Oh, well. This is adolescence, and this is teenage

years." However, if these signs and symptoms carry on for several months, it's important

to get clinical intervention. Contact your pediatrician, or school counselor or community

professional to find a good clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for your child. So it's very

important to pay attention to these signs and symptoms of childhood clinical depression.