Depression often makes children moody, needy, demanding, clinging, lonely, and helpless. Other behavioral changes associated with depression include guilt, pessimism, anger, sadness, low concentration, low energy, and irritability. Mental health professionals base their diagnosis of depression on recognizable symptoms, such as low mood, poor appetite, low energy or fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Possible causes of depression include family patterns, loss of a loved one, injury and illness, and trauma. Children who are depressed typically do poorly in school, at home, and with friends, and parents whose child exhibits symptoms of depression should pay careful attention to the way their child functions in these areas. Children and adolescents sometimes exhibit suicidal behavior. Suicidal attempts involve some physical act aimed at self- destruction, while suicidal thoughts involve thinking about ending one's life or about dying. Depression and suicide are linked because depression is a predisposing factor in suicide. Important facts about children and suicide related to age and sex differences and family factors are noted, and the role of parents in their child's treatment is considered.