by Kayme Moon

Created on: April 18, 2009

As a teenager who suffers from depression, I can say that depression is, by far, one of the most difficult things I have ever had to talk to my parents about. I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. Talking about depression is a difficult thing in general, and discussing it with parents, who are always there, can be an intimidating prospect no matter the age of the child. Because depression is such a confusing thing, children might not even be aware there is a problem, sometimes brushing it off as sadness or being moody. However, I can say from personal experience that one of the biggest things that stood in my way of telling anyone about depression was the harsh, negative connotations associated with depression. It's a mental illness, it's incredibly detrimental, it requires talks with counselors, psychologists and doctors, and sometimes the involvement of medication. On top of that, it goes on your medical record and makes it difficult to get health insurance. Even when I was younger I knew that I didn't want to get diagnosed with depression, and the way I felt unable to talk to anyone quite possibly made the depression all the worse.

One of the most important things that a parent has to do is to make themselves available. Don't get your children thinking that they will be judged or that depression is a terrible thing. Depression is very common, however the common idea of it is that it's a bad thing that should be cured. If your children are afraid of it, they will be much less likely to admit they might have it, and that means the chance is next to none that they will come out and talk about it on their own. Parents need to have an open and trusting relationship with their children, to be the people that their children run to in times of need, not away from. As an example, my parents are not the first people I would go to in times of need. They're rather judgmental and blunt, and while they might have my best interests at heart, they would be quick to say that something was a problem, and that it should be taken care of. As their child, that's not what I want to hear. Acceptance is key. Children need to know that if something comes up, their parents will be on their side.

Parents should also take the prospect of depression seriously. Depression is serious and should be taken that way. By that I don't mean to contradict my previous statement, but to say that if something does seem to be the matter, it shouldn't be brushed off as something less than it could be. It is always better to be safe than sorry, because if your child does have depression, there are ways to treat it. If it's left alone and brushed aside, it could have very serious consequences for your child and family.

Overall the most important thing a parent can do is be there for their child. Prevent depression from seeming like such an intimidating thing to go through, and be there every step of the way. Accepting and understanding company is one of the best things to help people go through the healing process.

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