Kids Health Matters episode 1: Delving into depression in young people

Caring for a child with any illness can be daunting. When that illness is anxiety or depression, it can particularly intimidating.

When do you intervene? How do you intervene and what can you do to ensure your child’s safety? 

For the answers to these and other difficult questions, join Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Psychiatrist Dr Karena Tansey for the latest episode of the Kids Health Matters podcast as she shares special insights into the mental health of our children and young people.

Dr Karena draws on a wealth of experience in child mental health to provide practical advice on:

• the warning signs of depression;
• how parents can support their child through a depressive episode;
• what parents can do in the early years to promote good mental health in their children; and
• strategies to help overcome feelings of anxiety.

Dr Karena said it’s important to realise depression in young people is not only common. it is treatable and seeking professional help should never be seen as a weakness.

With her down-to-earth guidance, Dr Karena is a helpful and reassuring voice for parents and young people.

Kids Health Matters is produced by the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) and provides trusted advice on common child health concerns from leading Western Australian child health experts.

Dr Karena also emphasises positive messages for both young people and parents about how to deal with feelings of depression.

“It’s really important (for parents) to pick up on changes and those early warning signs….and to be curious about what’s going on for your child.

“Listening to them, understanding them and being emotionally available so there are opportunities to talk with them about what’s going on in their lives,” Dr Karena said.

The critical role of parents in nurturing good mental in their child is also highlighted.

“Parents have a key role to play in promoting good mental health from the beginning of their children’s lives.

“What you do with your child in those early years helps plant a seed for good mental health further down the line,” Dr Karena said.

The causes of anxiety and depression, when is the right time to intervene and how to reduce risks are also covered in this excellent discussion.

Dr Karena encourages parents to support their child to face situations that make them feel anxious using a stepped approach.

“Rewarding and encouraging them when they do face challenges and anxiety will help stop it getting worse,” Dr Karena said.

This episode is hosted by broadcaster Dani Shuey and CAHS Coordinator of Nursing in Infection Prevention and Control, Danielle Engelbrecht.

Further information about the podcast series including a link to this episode can be found here.

CAHS includes Neonatology, Child and Adolescent Community Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Perth Children’s Hospital.