Probably the last thing on your mind as a parent is that the rosy-cheeked cherub you have so carefully nurtured may actually have depression. It's not widely known but, as the editorial on p 229 of this week's BMJ explains, children do actually get depressive illnesses and they often go unnoticed and untreated.
Unsurprisingly, it seems that most websites relating to depression are US based. One of these, Wing of Madness, has excellent links to web pages, online articles, books, and mental health organisations dealing with childhood depression (www.wingofmadness.com/articles/children.htm). Just don't be put off by the site's fanciful name.
For parents worried about their children's mental health www.psycom.net/depression.central.children.html should be a one-stop shop. This site gives extremely comprehensive information on symptoms of children with depression, dysthmia, and bipolar disorder, and answers frequently asked questions. Parents can find information on how to prevent suicide in children and adolescents and also look up information on drugs such as isotretinoin (for severe acne), which has been linked to depression.
A phenomenon of the web is the emergence of chat rooms and discussion groups, where visitors can pick up an identity at the virtual door and enter a room where they can unburden themselves and get advice without fear of exposure. Such forums can be useful in tackling depression. www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Villa/S712/ is a site set up for and by young people who are depressed. Visitors can chat about and read the personal experiences of adolescents who have had depression as well as the experiences of friends and family members of people with mood disorders. The aim of the site is to show young people that they are not alone.
http://communitynetdoktor.com/ccs/uk/depression/facts/index.jsp is a good general UK site on depression, with chat rooms, anecdotes, and excellent information on treatment options.