Parent's view: Depression

Research indicates that caring for a depressed teenager can be particularly difficult and stressful for parents. Parents might feel guilty that they have somehow caused the depression, or haven’t been able to protect their child from the stresses and challenges that may have contributed to it. They may also feel frustrated that they can’t get through to their teenager, or hopeless about not being able to change the situation. The reality is that parents can play an important role in supporting their teenager – from recognising difficulties when they first emerge, through to supporting with treatment and beyond.

In this video we hear from Emma’s mum, Lucy, as she talks about her experience. Please note: For the purposes of the course, this character is played by an actor but based on a real case example.