Raising Children in a Recession 3

Since economic loss can lead to depression in adults, it is important to acknowledge that· between 20% and 50% of depressed kids and teens have a family history of depression. (U.S. Surgeon Generalís Survey, 1999). This means depression can be cyclical in familes due to genetic susceptibility, regardless of the stress of the recession. Typically, an estimated 10-20% of children worldwide have one or more mental health or behavioral problems. (World Health Organization). Personal emotional support, medical/ theraputic support, and maintaining a healthylifestyle can be important factors in breaking the cycle of family depressio.