Here's how treating depression in children can improve the mental health of their parents

A parent and their child are connected by more than looks and genetics. When children suffer from something it takes a toll on their parents as well. A new study has found that treating depression in children and teenagers can help improve the mental health of their parents as well. “Depression is a massive public health concern that will take a variety of approaches to better manage. We believe our study is among the first to evaluate how the emotional health of a child can impact that of the parents,” said co-author Mark A. Reinecke from the Northwestern University in the US.



Nearly 325 teenagers who had been diagnosed with depression and 325 of their parents or caregivers were analysed for the study. The researchers found that when the severity of the teenagers' depression lessened, the severity of the depression the parents or caregivers were experiencing also lessened. “More young people today are reporting persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and suicidal thoughts,” said Kelsey R. Howard from the varsity. “This research may help health care providers as we grapple as a nation with how to address these alarming trends,” Howard noted.