Hi, Depression can negatively affect a child’s ability to enjoy normal daily activities, studies and enjoy childhood. Medication can help to recover and perform to large extent. But medication are no quick fix for depression. Medication with psychotherapy (counselling, CBT, etc) gives better results Treatment can be long and arduous. Parents should support children by doing the following: Encouraging daily exercise Make time to talk. Counseling will help your child begin to open up and verbalize feelings; it’s your job to listen and provid unconditional support when your child opens up at home. Healthy food. Healthy lifestyle choices can help with the treatment process. Encourage good sleep habits Helping with studies It’s very difficult to perform well in school when thinking and concentration are impaired by depression. It’s important to include the classroom teacher. Talk to the classroom teacher (especially maths teacher) about the following: Extended time for lengthy assignments and tests Breaking down maths assignments into manageable pieces Help to create study or homework schedules Provide copy of class notes Taking tests in a quiet room, free from distractions It’s also helpful to have a plan in place should your child need a break during the day. Children are not mini-adults. They are developing and changing at a rapid pace, even when they experience a depression Irritability, feeling overwhelmed, and outbursts are common in depressed children. As hard as this can be for the parent on the receiving end of these behaviors, it is important that parents remain calm and focus on active listening. It’s the natural tendency for the parent to want to “fix” it or somehow put a stop to it. With proper treatment and supports , he will improve, and enjoy childhood.