It’s important to learn the potential signs of depression in children. Things that were once fun may now bring little joy. And a child who used to play often with friends may now spend most of the time alone and without interests.

Depressed children are at increased risk for committing suicide. Children and adolescents who are depressed may talk about suicide or say they want to be dead. Depressed adolescents may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way of trying to feel better.

In Idaho, suicide is a leading cause of death among children, adolescents and young adults. It doesn’t have to be that way, if we can learn to talk about it.