Does your child suffer from depression?

In the past two weeks, are these statements true, untrue, or sometimes true? • I felt miserable or unhappy • I didn’t enjoy anything at all • I felt so tired I just sat around and did nothing • I was very restless • I felt I was no good anymore • I cried a lot • I found it hard to think properly or concentrate • I hated myself • I was a bad person • I felt lonely • I thought nobody really loved me • I thought I could never be as good as other kids • I did everything wrong Count two points for “true”, one point for “sometimes”. A score of 12 or higher means a child may suffer from depression.

Signs/symptoms to look out for

While depression can show itself in many different ways, big changes in your child’s behaviour can be a warning sign.

If they are not wanting to do things that they previously enjoyed, not wanting to meet friends, sleeping a lot more or less than normal, eating a lot more or less than normal, or seem constantly irritable or upset, it’s important to take it seriously.

Next steps – how to open up the conversation and where to go from there • Trust your instincts Parents often instinctively know when something is wrong, and if you’re worried about your child it’s really important to talk to them about how they’re feeling. • Don’t make any assumptions Listen to what they have to say. Make sure they know that you love them and are proud of them, and that you’re on their side. • Ask them what they think It can be a good idea to talk to your child about what they think would help, as they may have good ideas about solving their own problems.

• Make sure that you look after yourself as well

And if you’re worried, try talking to your GP, your child’s school or to the YoungMinds parents helpline.