However, depression can strike men and women at other times too. Depression can make it difficult for a parent to develop a close, nurturing attachment to a young child. A depressed parent may be less vigilant about safety issues, or may, on the other hand, worry excessively about the child s safety. Depressed individuals are more likely to feel hopeless and apathetic about parenting, and thus neglect a child. An irritable, depressed parent might actually abuse a child.
Depression can sap the parent of the energy necessary to play with an active child.
If the depression leads to alcohol abuse, family problems multiply. Children of depressed parents are more likely to have behavioral problems, learning difficulties, and peer problems. They are more likely to become depressed themselves. Children may have difficulty understanding cause and effect. Thus, they may blame themselves for the parent s depression, irritability and withdrawal.