Depression & Your Child: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers

Until recently, it was believed that children didn’t — and couldn’t — get depressed. But kids do struggle with depression. In fact, some research has even suggested that babies can become depressed, according to Deborah Serani, PsyD, in her book Depression And Your Child: A Guide for Parents And Caregivers. Serani is a clinical psychologist who’s been working with kids and adults with mood disorders for over 20 years. She’s also lived with depression since she was a child. In the book, she writes: “As is the case with pediatric depression, my own depression didn’t hit with lightning-like speed. It was more of a slow burn, taking its toll in gnaws and bites before hollowing me out completely. After a suicide attempt as a college sophomore, I found help that finally reduced my depression. Until then, I accepted the sadness, despair, and overwhelming fatigue as the way my life just was.” Neither Serani nor her parents realized that she was struggling with a serious illness. Thankfully, she eventually received a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. But an earlier intervention would’ve prevented many painful days and the suicide attempt. As Serani notes, “It is by sheer luck that I am here, alive, today.” Today, we know a lot more about pediatric depression and suicide in kids and teens. And, while the bad news is that depression affects kids, the good news is that depression is highly treatable. With proper diagnosis and treatment, kids who ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Book Reviews Caregivers Children and Teens Cognitive-Behavioral Depression Disorders Family General Parenting Psychotherapy Self-Help Suicide Treatment Babies bad news childhood depression Clinical Psychologist College So Source Type: news