If you have just found out that you have depression do you tell your children?

Answer 1

i have suffered depression since my first child was born 15 years ago, although i can say it comes and goes now. my children do know as they couldnt work out why mummy was sad, angry for no reason. if explained to them in a easy way they will understand and know that when you are having crap days it is not their fault, good luck with beating it.

Answer 2

there are usually other people more suitable to talk to about depression.

Children have nither the capacity to interpret the concept of depression, nor any real grasp on the issues related.

When it is a neccesity, then tell them only what they need to know.

:o)
J2G

Answer 3

Are your children old enough that you would tell them if you were diagnosed with:
asthma, high blood pressure, pneumonia, arthritis, diabetes, scoliosis, a loss of hearing, an ulcer?
We've just got to get over acting like mental or emotional disorders are disgraceful and to be hidden.

Answer 4

They will need to be told at some point, depending on their age. My mom suffered depression and I do too. I never talked to my boys, who are grown now, and my mom never talked to us.
The problem is, kids have an uncanny ability to think everything is their fault. You have an illness, and there are going to be times that you are not going to be there for them. You may cry or not want to play, or not be there emotionally. They need to know its your illness and not them.

Answer 5

If you are suffering from anything your children will know..Depending on how old they are,it's a good idea to let them in on it otherwise how will they understand what's going on ??

Answer 6

I guess it depends on how old they are and if they will understand. I would leave the subject alone and do what you need to do to help yourself. Worry about telling them later.
Good luck!

Answer 7

i would say it depends how old your children are. young ones don't need to know, try to keep their childhoods care free without having to worry about mum/dad. teenagers could be told in an adult way, explaining everything to them so that they can understand you better

Answer 8

only if they are mature enough to understand that it is not their fault. You do not want to be putting them through the stress of thinking your depression was onset by something they did

Answer 9

Depending on their age and capability to understand what their mum is going through. I personally wouldn't, simply because I wouldn't want them to worry.

Answer 10

It's not necessary, it's about perosnal hoice. Think about whether they are old enough to understand the reasons behind you feeling this way, will they think it's their fault etc.