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MONTGOMERY – Gov. Don Siegelman has issued a proclamation designating May 4 as Childhood Depression Awareness Day in Alabama. Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Commissioner Kathy Sawyer praised the Governor for promoting the importance of children’s mental health. "I applaud Gov. Siegelman for his efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of Alabama’s youth by alerting parents to the signs of depression in their children," Sawyer said.

Depression is a real, identifiable and potentially fatal mental illness that affects millions of American children under the age of 18. Left untreated, childhood depression very often leads to serious emotional consequences later in life. Causes of childhood depression can include a family history of mental illness or suicide, chronic illness, loss of a parent at an early age due to abandonment or death, divorce, and abuse (emotional, physical and/or sexual).

Depression in children can be effectively treated and treatment is most successful when the disease is recognized early. "The earlier depression in children is identified and treated, the more effective that treatment will be," Sawyer explained. "For that reason, we encourage parents to pay close attention to any potential warning signs of childhood depression."

Warning signs of childhood depression include persistent sadness and/or irritability, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and/or other changes in activity level. Physical pains that seem to have no cause (i.e., headaches, stomach aches, etc.), changes in appetite and/or sleep patterns, and difficulty in concentration may be observed. In the most serious instances, recurring thoughts of death or suicide may be present.

"Parents observing any warning signs of depression in their children are encouraged to seek treatment from a mental health professional immediately," Sawyer stated. "The key to treating childhood depression effectively is early intervention." For information about mental health resources in local communities, contact the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation’s Bureau of Mental Illness Community Programs at (334) 242-3200.

The Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation is the state agency designated to serve persons with mental illness, mental retardation and substance abuse problems. The agency administers and coordinates a wide array of state and community services. Last year, the department served more than 150,000 people around the state.