In children

• The effect of stress during pregnancy and its effect on foetal development are still being assessed.
• Depression in infancy is uncommon, although the chance of depression in childhood will be increased if parents are very uncaring to the child (or, to a lesser extent, overly controlling and overprotective)
• Depression in the years up to puberty is much more common and may be linked to family difficulties, birth of a sibling, or an impact on the child's social ties such as a move to a new house or school.
• If your child has symptoms of depression, it's best to seek professional help. Many depressed children go on to have further episodes of depression, however those with mild depression related to a significant stressful event have a good rate of recovery.

Common signs of depression among children in the years up to puberty can include:

• a prolonged sad mood
• a loss of interest in normal activities such as playing and games
• withdrawal both at home and school
• uncharacteristic behaviour such as stealing or bullying
• tiredness, particularly in the afternoon
• sleep disturbance
• bed wetting

Where to get help for your child

See your General Practitioner first or your local community health centre (see the NSW Department of Health website for details of community health centres). Community Health Centres are also listed in the phone book under 'Community Health Centres'.

Your General Practitioner may refer your child to a private psychiatrist who is accredited in child and adolescent psychiatry or to a specialist child or adolescent mental health service provided through the public health system.

Other specialists who provide help for children are paediatricians and child psychologists. Your General Practitioner or local Community Health Centre should be able to advise you on these.

More information on Getting Help

Useful links and resources:

• Family Help Kit issued by Centre for Mental Health, New South Wales Department of Health
• Fact Sheet on Childhood Disorders issued by the Mental Health Association NSW Inc
• Young People Prevention and Early Intervention: - a site provided by Central Coast Area Health Service that contains some excellent resources.
• Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association
• Kids Help Line
• Reach Out!

Overseas websites:

• American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Depression in Children
• National Mental Health Association; Children And Depression (US)
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health (US)
• Keep Kids Healthy; Depression in Children (US)