Dealing with depression in children

If you feel your child is suffering from depression, it can be hard to know what to do.

"The first thing you should do is talk to them," says Dr Evans. "Try to find out what's troubling them. And whatever's causing the problem, don't trivialise it. It may not be a big deal to you, but it could be a major problem for your child."

If you're still worried after talking to them, see your GP.

"If it's something that requires further treatment, there are several options, including counselling services for young people, family therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy, which is a type of talking therapy. A specialist may also consider antidepressant medication, but only in severe cases."

For more information on the different types of talking therapies, read our Guide to talking therapies.

In the meantime, if you're worried that your child may be prone to depression, you can help to stop it happening by being there for them.

For more information on depression in childhood go to our pages at http://www.asknormen.co.uk/news/2014/depression-children-and-young-people-suffer-too/

For more information on Child and Adolescent Mental Heath Services (CAMHS)  in Northamptonshire visit http://www.nht.nhs.uk/main.cfm?type=CONTENTCAMHS