Occasional bouts of sadness, irritability and anger from your teen are to be expected. But if these moods last longer than two weeks it could be depression.

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children’s Health Minute presented by this station and TexCare -- connecting Texas families with children’s health insurance for 18 dollars a month or less.

Depression affects about one in eight teens. Common symptoms are:

• difficulty sleeping or concentrating,
• fatigue or sleeping too much,
• no appetite or overeating, and
• withdrawal from social activities.

It is very important that depressed teens get prompt, professional treatment. Depression is serious and, if left untreated, can worsen to the point of becoming life threatening. The good news is that there are successful treatments available.

Keep your kids healthy. Call TexCare at 1-800-647-6558 to apply or when it’s time to renew your children’s health care coverage. That’s 1-800-647-6558.