Warning signs of depression can be (but are not limited) the following problems-

1. Your child's grades suddenly drop and he or she no longer is interested in school. If your bright and happy student suddenly takes no interest in grades this can be an indication of depression. While this may be the most noticeable with an A student even average students will let their grades drop if feeling depressed. Parents should immediately contact teachers and other school officials to determine whether there are factors at school that are influencing this.

2. Relationship changes with family and friends. If your child or teen suddenly refuses to be involved with the same friends or completely withdraws from family this can be an indication they are suffering from depression. Your child may appear uninterested or even seem to exhausted to associate with his or her usual friends. This should be taken as a warning sign for you to intervene and determine what is happening to cause this.

3. A seeming inability to keep up with their routine. If your normally energetic teenager seems to be unable to keep up their usual school, social and extra-curricular schedule this could be a warning sign of depression. While teenagers do sleep a lot if your teen suddenly changes their sleep behavior by sleeping all the time or seems unable to sleep parents should be concerned about why this is happening.

4. Experimentation with alcohol, drugs or sexual behaviors. Many teens will turn to these devices to help relieve their feelings of depression. If you find that your teen is suddenly using alcohol or drugs or is acting out sexually this could be a sign of depression that requires immediate life-saving intervention.

Some children and teens can experience an even more serious form of depression that alternates with what is known as a manic phase. If your child or teen is having manic phases interspersed with depression it is imperative that you seek immediate medical treatment. The manic phase is characterized as-

 Your child may stop sleeping all together for several days at a time.
 Your child or teen may eat obsessively or stop eating all together.
 Children and teens in the manic phase may take unusual risks in their behavior. Their actions seem to demonstrate no judgment or fear of consequences.
 They seem to have a feeling of omnipotence and extreme self-confidence.

The good news is that depression can be successfully treated and many people who experience periods of depression during their younger years never have a reoccurrence. Studies show that approximately 4% of adolescents get seriously depressed each year but most find relief with treatment. It is imperative though that parents do not dismiss serious warning signs as simply "teenage moodiness" since serious depression can lead to highly destructive behaviors and even suicide. Depression not only affects thoughts, feelings and behavior but also the overall health of the sufferer.

If your child or teen is suffering from depression there is help. Many counselors are trained to specifically deal with the needs of the depressed child or teen. Pediatricians are often good resources on how to treat the depression both psychologically and physically and can direct parents to the correct resources. Many school districts also have resource centers and information for parents seeking help for their depressed child or teen.