depression in moms could affect children's development

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depression linked to trouble with social competence, physical health, and emotional maturity.

by emma jones

published aug 21, 2020

last updated feb 21, 2025

2 minute read

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2 minute read

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depression in mothers could affect children's development

the center for addiction and mental health recommends that parents open a dialogue with children about mental health concerns the parents are experiencing. fizkes / getty

children under the age of five whose mothers have a history of depression are more likely to have at least one developmental vulnerability before starting school, according to a new long-term study. this new information can help healthcare practitioners create better interventions for families dealing with mental health challenges.

researchers at stanford university and the university of manitoba looked at data of 52,103 children born in manitoba between 2005 and 2016. the data was collected by the manitoba early development instrument and linked to information from doctors’ visits and hospitalization data for the parents. of the 52,103 children in the study, 9,938 (19 per cent) had mothers who had been diagnosed with depression before their fifth birthday.

after controlling for premature births, income, and drugs or alcohol use, the researchers found that children whose mothers had been diagnosed with depression were 17 per cent more likely to have a developmental vulnerability — trouble with social competence, physical health, and emotional maturity — than children whose mothers did not have depression. children whose mothers experienced depression between the ages of four and five were at the greatest risk for developmental vulnerabilities.

researchers did not look at the effects of having a father who is diagnosed with depression. a 2005 study in the uk looked at the health information of 8,431 fathers and 10,024 children and found that children whose fathers were experiencing depression had a higher risk of developing emotional and behavioural problems. boys in households where the father was experiencing depression also had an increased risk of conduct problems.

talking about depression with children

symptoms of depression include feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness, poor concentration and fatigue.

approximately 11 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women in canada will experience depression at some point in their lives, according to health canada. a 2018 survey from statistics canada reported that 23 per cent of mothers who recently gave birth reported symptoms consistent with either postpartum depression or an anxiety disorder.

the centre for addiction and mental health recommends that parents open up a dialogue with their children if a family member — especially a parent — is experiencing depression or any other mental health concerns. often children notice more than what they let on, and confusion or not knowing what is wrong can have adverse effects.

age-appropriate talking points include assuring children that this is not their fault or responsibility to fix, things the family member is doing to get help, special considerations they may need, and that the children are welcome to ask questions or voice concerns.

there is no shame in admitting to feelings of depression or anxiety throughout the very difficult task of raising a child. in fact, reaching out can help both the parent and the family experiencing depression receive help from the community and healthcare system. according to the mood disorders society of canada, 75 to 85 per cent of individuals who seek treatment for depression see improvement in their condition.

emjones@postmedia.com | @jonesyjourn

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