Carefree, happy-go-lucky, and running wild are just some of the familiar phrases that come

to mind when we think about childhood. Most of us have a lovely picture of what life is like for children. What could children possibly have to worry about？ In the early l980's, many medical experts believed that children were unable to experience depression (忧郁). But the fact is that children do have plenty of cares. At least 2% of children under 12 struggle with depression and by teenage years this has risen to 5% or 1 in 20. That's at least one depressed child in every classroom.

Depression, whether in grown-ups or children, is poorly understood. Some children are more at risk, such as those who are ill or who come from a broken family. But there are also many simpler worries, such as exam fears. It's not always easy to notice depression in children, partly because they are not so able as adults to express their feelings and partly because they are more likely to act out their feelings with bodily actions. So while some children are clearly sad, quiet, and tearful, others may become troublesome, hurting or fighting with others.

If you are worried about your child, you should talk to your doctor and to your children's friends, too, to try to learn about their feelings. Medicine may be used, although less often than they are in grown-ups. But it's very important that efforts are also made to help children understand why they became depressed, how they can deal with the problems in their life, and how they can form. a more positive (正面的) opinion of their world. Support within the family can help problem solving (解决).

What was believed about children's life in the past？

A．It was full of happiness.

B．It was hard to control.

C．It was marked with depression.

D．It had few health problems.