Depression Among Youth

If you're starting to see symptoms of depression in your children, you should seek help as soon as possible. 8% of 12 to 17 year olds reported a major depressive episode within 12 months and the rate of females is more than double that of males. During this age range, there are a lot of biological, environmental, and social changes that could all contribute to depression. Getting your child to communicate during this time period can be difficult, but remember that they are still dependent on you for a lot of things. Take the time when they come to you for something that they need to sit down and have a conversation first. If you can, have conversations when you drive your child anywhere, when you take part in an activity together, and always make time when your child finally decides to communicate.