Depression

Depression involves persistent feelings of sadness. It is a disorder that affects a young person’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, and body. As many as 5% of children may be experiencing serious depression at any given time. It occurs equally amongst boys and girls in pre-adolescent children. However, it is much more common among females after puberty, with a 2:1 female to male ratio.

Helpful Websites

National Mental Health Information Center
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Kids Health

Books for Parents & Caregivers

Raising Depression Free Children: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention and Early Intervention
by Kathleen Hockey

Lonely, Sad, and Angry: A Parent’s Guide to Depression in Children and Adolescents
by Barbara Ingersoll & Sam Goldstein

The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression
by Martin E.P. Seligman

Acquainted with the Night: A Parent’s Quest to Understand Depression and Bipolar Disorder in His Children
by Paul Raeburn

Overcoming Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents
by Miriam Kaufman

Books for Children & Teens

When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens
by Bev Cobain

Sad Days, Glad Days, A Story About Depression
by Dewitt Hamilton

Downloads

Childhood Depression (Arizona Supreme Court)
Parent Handbook on Child & Adolescent Depression (Erika's Lighthouse)