Kids get depressed too

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It's a frightening fact that more and more children are suffering from depression. And statistics show sufferers are getting younger. Recognising the signs is the first step to getting the right help

In the adult world, there's no longer any stigma surrounding depression. Increased awareness and improvements in treatments mean we no longer whisper about people suffering with their 'nerves'. So why are we shocked to discover that our children can suffer from depression too?

According to Young Minds, the national association for child and family health, as many as 100,000 children under the age of 12 are believed to be suffering from depression at any one time.

Yet adults are reluctant to accept that children have darker feelings, says Peter Wilson, Director of Young Minds. 'Children increasingly have to deal with loss, pressure and anxiety', he says. 'Yet unlike an adult, a child doesn't have the wider context in which to see their problems. As well as being unaware of the support available, they find it difficult to articulate their distress.'

Next: Why kids can't cope

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Isla Friend, 7 months

Lindsay, Your Dad hasn't left you, ok he isn't living with you both, but It is your mum he couldn't or didn't want to live with any more, not you. The reason adults get mad is because they are hurting inside. I bet your mum is mad at your dad because like you inside she hurts. Sometimes when you are mad at someone, you don't want to hear that someone you love, likes or misses the person you are mad at - silly I know, but how about trying to talk to your mum about how you feel - that your dad left you, maybe this would be the start of you both sharing how you feel, you are both hurting inside. Can you talk to your dad? If so tell him you miss him and ask why he left, say you feel he left you, and let him explain, can you ask to spend more time with him? or stay over some nights? Is there a school nurse, teacher you could talk to? Or does your mum let you see the doctor by yourself? Your doctor would be good, as he can send you to someone to talk too, that wont go around telling everyone, but help you with your feelings and hurt. As hard as it is to imagine at the moment, this will get better, and you will be happy again. Please remember your dad didn't leave or stop loving you, and your mum isn't cross at you, it just feels like it, tell her.

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Lindsay, 12 months

I was six he left me noone i can talk to i cry so much my mom is mad at my dad i miss him i want him back! no one understands

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