The NYU Child Study Center notes that more than 40 million people suffer from depression in the United States. Some symptoms include apathy, low energy levels, depressed mood, low self-esteem and a negative view of the future. It may occur as a result of an unpleasant life event, but it can also develop without any noticeable provocation. Depression can affect anyone, including a mother or father. Unfortunately, children of depressed parents can experience a variety of problems as a result.
Attachment Issues
The NYU Child Study Center explains that parental depression affects the attachment behavior between parent and child. Attachment is the emotional connection that forms between parent and baby during the first years of a baby's life. Attachment helps a parent regulate his or her child's emotional and physical needs, anticipate the child's needs and react appropriately to signals.
Not only does attachment secure a child's care, the relationship serves as a positive model for future relationships. Children of depressed parental figures may have difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life.
School Problems
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, a study performed on 132 children revealed that children of depressed parents experienced academic problems. Children can develop attention problems, lower IQ levels and difficulty with mathematical reasoning. In addition, the study showed that children who had depressed mothers postpartum were more likely to require special education assistance. Another study showed that maternal depression is linked to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This disorder can affect the concentration and attention required for school.
Emotional and Social Problems
The NYU Child Study Center states that children who have depressed parents can experience social and emotional delays. These children tend to develop poor relationships with peers, have difficulty adjusting to new situations, and have a low self-esteem. A mother or father suffering from depression may find it difficult to set limits, manage conflicts, or be emotionally or physically present in her child's life.
Depressed parents who react negatively when encountering a frustrating situation teach a child to react similarly. This can cause a child to model his parents' passive coping methods, negative emotions and incompetent style of interacting. As a result, children may develop a variety of anxiety or depressive disorders.
