CHILDHOOD AND TEEN DEPRESSION A PARENT HANDBOOK Find out how to get help for your child or teen
Somewhere between 15 and 20 percent of our children and teens will suffer from at least one depressive episode before they reach adulthood. These episodes come in many forms—ranging from the child who doesn’t want to go to school to the teen who is constantly in a rage to the withdrawn child who barely speaks. Often, these episodes are seen as just a phase, or typical behavior, but depression, clinical depression, is not part of typical behavior—it is a disorder that deserves attention and needs treatment.
Most children and teens who suffer from depression go undiagnosed and untreated. Many parents don’t know the signs of depression or where to turn for help, and, if they reach out for help, they often become frustrated trying to find it. Understanding exactly what’s going on with your child, finding the right treatment, dealing with the schools—all have their unique challenges and can deplete the energy of even the most dedicated parent. Taken from: Erika’s Lighthouse , a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about childhood and teenage depression and mental health. WWW.PARENTGUIDE.CA ⎟17
