Parents should watch out for signs of depression in their children, as if left untreated these could end up with more serious mental problems. Depression also brings on thoughts which are self defeating and destructive and beyond the control of kids or adults. Warning signs in kids are lack of concentration and problems at school because of this as they are not able to cope with their studies or complete their assignments in time; feeling negative about everything around them; a feeling of guilt; hopeless feelings which make them feel there is nothing they can do; they isolate themselves from others even their peers and family and the most worrying of all suicidal tendencies. Pressurizing a child who is already going through a traumatic phase could drive him to do something drastic.
Apart from these obvious signs of depression children could start overeating or starving, become overactive or lethargic and behave in a compulsive way about certain things. If a child behaves in a reckless manner it is for the parents to watch and see if there is more to this behavior than just rebelliousness on the part of their child. Changes in eating and sleeping habits are another sign to watch out for. Parents should talk to their child and communicate their thoughts in a way that the child feels reassured and secure and not threatened. If these signs do not go away then the kid need professional help and treatment. This is a must to avoid the situation becoming worse and out of hand.