Can I Catch It Like a Cold? Coping with a Parent's Depression
Illustrated by Joe Weissmann
Why is my parent acting this way? Will my parent get better? Is it my fault? Can I catch depression like a cold? These are among the many questions asked by children when a parent has depression. When children do not have answers to their questions, they tend to come up with their own, which can be incorrect and frightening.
I explores children’s common questions through the story of Alex, a young boy who cannot understand why his father sleeps so much and doesn’t go to work anymore; he also doesn’t attend Alex’s soccer games. Alex discovers that his father is depressed, and through the help of family, friends and mental health professionals, Alex gains a greater understanding of depression and stops feeling so alone and confused.
Published by Tundra Books and CAMH, Can I Catch It like a Cold? is written for children aged five to nine years old. It is intended for use by parents, extended family, teachers and mental health professionals who want to address the impact of depression in children’s lives.
Can I Catch It Like a Cold? Coping with a Parent’s Depressions spurs dialogue, offers reassurance and allays fears for those who cope with this adult-sized problem.
You can order copies through our online store or pick up copies in the RBC Patient and Family Learning Space.