Depressed Parents: Five Key Messages for Children
When a parent suffers from depression, children often feel anxious because they don't understand the situation and blame themselves. Experts emphasize the importance of openness.
Children of parents suffering from depression are particularly sensitive to their parent's mood swings. They often notice the changes first, even if they are subtle.
When a parent suddenly becomes sad, irritable, apathetic, or withdraws from social situations, children register this immediately, even without verbal explanation. If no explanation is given, children may start to blame themselves for the situation.
According to experts, recognizing depression and talking openly about it at the child's age level is crucial. This helps the child understand the situation, reduces their sense of guilt, and gives them a sense of security. It is important to explain that the parent's illness is not the child's fault.
Children of parents with mental health issues are three to four times more likely to develop mental health problems themselves later in life. This highlights the importance of open communication and support within the family.
Experts recommend that children clearly hear the following messages: they are not to blame, they are still loved as before, and that the illness is not contagious.