Depression is on the rise in kids—but the signs are hard to recognize

- Look for a local mindfulness meditation program for kids. Practising mindfulness can help prevent episodes of depression.

- A mental health first-aid course can help you recognize illnesses like depression, engage your child about their feelings and get them the help they need. Go to mentalhealthfirstaid.ca. to find a training program near you.

- Look for a therapist who practises emotion-focused family therapy. This training teaches caregivers to help kids recognize their emotions and learn coping skills.

- The website Dealing With Depression (dwdonline.ca) teaches kids about depression and how to handle it, including skills like identifying depressive thoughts and problem-solving.

Read more:
How to talk about mental health with your kids
5 signs your child has a mental health issue