Depressed 11 year old

[MagCap]

Does anyone have any experience of depression in pre-teens? My 12 year old nephew is off school with depression having found it really hard to settle into first year secondary school. We're really worried.

I have a ten year old brother who has just been referred for children's counselling. He was diagnosed with a life long genetic condition and has struggled to come to terms with it and has been bullied, so slightly different scenario but still equally as worrying no doubt. for them both

Dd has been having counselling on and off since age 8. Helping more now she is older and more willing to listen. Ds (nearly 11) also just started counselling, which has helped really quickly: it was almost as if all he needed was someone to talk to. Both have a lifelong genetic condition.

thank you for your kind messages. It is very troubling. My nephew is a lovely boy, but has had trouble fitting into a massive secondary school after thriving at primary. My sister hasn't really been offered much help by the GP yet-other than " keep him off school for a couple of weeks". I think they need some counselling or other professional help. did you get the counselling through the GP?

My DB's counselling was organised partly through the GP and also his genetic doctor. Your GP would be your first point of call if you think he would benefit from some counselling. They aren't usually very forthcoming to accept to do a referral so your sister may need to push a little harder if he doesn't improve.