When your child has depression – reaching out for help

Depression is more common than most people think. Consider these statistics:

• About 15% of the population will suffer from depressive disorder at some time during their life.
• Half of Americans have family members afflicted by depression.
• In a given year, 5% of children below age 12 will suffer from depression.
• It is estimated that 20-25% of adolescents will have at least one episode of depression by age 18.
• 80-90% of those suffering from depression can be effectively treated.
• Half of adults with depression, and even more children, have depression that goes untreated.

When a family is facing this disease, often it is kept quiet and within the bounds of the family. But by sharing experiences, families can gain support and learn from others who are facing or who have faced similar issues.

Support Groups
Talking to others going through the same thing as you can help get you through the rough times. There are many support groups that meet in the Boston area. It is likely that attending a group will help you feel less alone. It's important to know that other people are facing the same kind of problems.

Self-help and support groups are run by people who have experience helping with certain problems and situations. In a group organized for children who are experiencing problems, the group members may all be around the same age, and are all confronting a similar kind of difficulty. In groups organized for the parents and caregivers of these children, the group leader is often someone who has gone through what the group members are going through.

Ask your doctor or health center if they run support groups. You can also see a list of some local support groups that deal specifically with depression at http://mddaboston.org/groups.html

Online support through a local website
Other types of support can be found online. Children's Hospital Boston has developed a website called The Depression Experience Journal, which is designed to help families whose children are dealing with depressive illness. The website is a collection of the experiences of children, families, friends, health care professionals, and others whose lives have been touched by a child living with depression.

The Depression Experience Journal is a collection of personal stories and experiences from families and the people around them about what it has been like to live with their children’s psychological struggles. It is also a collection of experiences from the doctors, nurses, and others involved in their care. Many have found that connecting to others who share similar experiences can be significant and supportive. The stories shared in the Depression Experience Journal help promote greater understanding about living with depression.

The website can be viewed at www.experiencejournal.com/depression.