But here’s one sure indicator. It’s when your child has a marked change in his previous activity levels—and this change lingers.

To help protect your child against depression:

• Offer praise and compliments to your child.

• Don’t leave your child alone for long periods of time.

• Encourage your child to share his thoughts and feelings with you.

• Don’t insist your child do everything perfectly.

• Point out negative thinking when your child says things like, “I’m not any good,” or “No one will ever be friends with me.”

• Help your child think through problems. Don’t jump in to solve problems for him.

• Encourage positive self-talk and action. Your child might say to himself, “Today, I’m going to work hard to make something good happen. If I don’t succeed, I’ll try tomorrow.”

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