Depression

For parents/carers

Children and young people often experience a range of emotional difficulties – sometimes related to the changes brought about by puberty, due to going through the process of developing a sense of identity or school, family or friendship pressures.

These emotional difficulties can often make it difficult to differentiate between what might be ‘normal’ and the start of a mood disorder. Consult a mental health professional for a diagnosis if their mood is persistently low, if they are not enjoying things they used to, if you notice that their sleep and appetite have changed to impact them negatively, if they are self-harming or have lost motivation and have a negative sense of future.

Four facts in four areas

CHANGES IN BEHAVIOURS

  • Withdrawal
  • Lost interest and stopping having fun
  • Reckless behaviours including the overuse of drinks or drugs
  • School performance has changed in a negative way

  • Pessimistic about the future
  • Self-critical
  • Sense of failure is expressed or increased sensitivity to rejection
  • Feelings of guilt and self-blame are often expressed

  • Regular bouts of crying
  • Emotionally numb
  • Irritable with outbursts of temper
  • Emotional variability

  • Constant physical complaints with no physical cause
  • Sleep changes (too much or too little)
  • Appetite changes (too much or too little)
  • Constant tiredness and apathy

Four steps to assist with change

LEARN TO IDENTIFY

  • Keep the following links to help your teenager maintain change
    • Your GP who will refer you to CAMHS, Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Counsellors.
    • Young Minds 0808 802 5544 (parent helpline) www.youngminds.org.uk

Visit our Further Advice page for details of other organisations that can help.

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