Depression in children is as real as it is for teens and adults. While the rate of depression in children is lower than for teens and adults,[1] [2] it is possible for preschoolers to suffer from depression and it is not unusual to find symptoms of depression in children aged from 6 to 12.[3] From ages 9 to 12, it is thought that 12 percent of children can suffer from depression.[4]

Knowing how to prevent depression in children you are responsible for can help to ensure that they do not suffer from this debilitating mental health illness and give them a firmer grounding for dealing with their emotions early on. While there is no guarantee that a child won't get depression, a child whose parents or guardians are actively on the alert for preventing depression can do a lot to keep it at bay or deal with it should it arise.