Depression: A guide for parents and carers

Raising concerns about your child's mental wellbeing with your GP or another professional can be very difficult.

You, or your child, may be worried that they will be “labelled”, concerned about the type of treatment or medication that may be offered or even whether hospital admittance may be necessary.

Try not to worry about these things if you can. The outlook is good in most cases, and seeking help sooner rather than later in a local community setting is always best. Supporting your child in accessing a GP is a positive move.

Seek specialist advice

When you contact your surgery, ask if there is a GP in your practice who specialises in mental health. If not, ask your friends if they have any experience of local GPs in this regard. Wherever possible, seek out a specialist who will understand your situation.

Book a double appointment

Explain the situation to the receptionist and request a double appointment, if possible. This will give you or your child more time to fully discuss the symptoms and your concerns. Accompany your child to the appointment, and be prepared to be asked to leave so that the GP can speak to your child alone.

The GP will want to understand what is happening, why you are worried, and will need to know details: if possible, keep a written note of the warning signs and their severity and frequency to share during this time. Book a second appointment for yourself if you wish to speak in confidence to the GP about the ‘ripple effect’ of your child’s depression on you and your family.

What will the GP want to know?

The Doc Ready app is a very helpful resource, designed specifically to help young people prepare for, and get the most out of, their first GP appointment to discuss their mental health. The GP will be looking to understand:

• What are the triggers to the depression?
• How long has it been going on for, and how severe does it seem?
• Are there any self-harm or suicidal thoughts?
• How is home, school and social life; is there any bullying or abuse?
• Have there been any changes in self-care, eating, sleeping, exercise, drug or alcohol usage?
• Is there a family history of depression?

Are there any new risky behaviours or impulsive acts?

Mental health assessment

Your child may be asked to complete a questionnaire to assess the severity of the problem. The GP may also suggest a more detailed assessment is carried out by a mental health specialist (such as a young people’s mental health nurse).

The GP should explain this to you. It is within your rights to ask for a more detailed mental health assessment from a psychologist or a psychiatrist on behalf of your child. A young person over 18 years old can also ask for this themselves.

Confidentiality

There are strict confidentiality protocols when it comes to your child and their GP if they are under 18.

The practice will have a confidentiality policy you may ask to see. Make sure you understand and know your rights.

Your child may want to know that their privacy will be respected and looked after. You may also wish to ask your child’s school about its confidentiality protocols and policies and to confirm what and how information is stored and shared about pupils.

Therapies and treatment