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.
Some parents are unprepared for the hard work involved in raising a child.
They may be cut off from their own extended family and lack good parental role models. Childcare duties may cause the parent to become increasingly socially isolated. With fewer daily adult contacts, the parent has fewer voices to counter his or her depressive thoughts. Parents who work outside the home may also experience stress. The dual demands of work and home may lead to sleep deprivation and exhaustion, leaving him more vulnerable to depression and medical illness.