Train parents to help kids deal with depression

It is great that schools are getting students involved in peer-helper initiatives on mental wellness ("Schools step up focus on students' mental health"; Oct 10).

But we all know that at the end of the day, a student with depression goes home and has to confront the environment that did not help him deal with the depression.

This is where parents must come in, in a much bigger way.

The best therapist and counsellor for a depressed student is his parents, and parents need to be trained to help their children deal with depression.

Parents need to put aside time to do what is necessary to build strong relationships - marital and parental.

Employers need to support this, to help families foster greater relationships through better work-life balance.

Kuharajahsingam Karalasingam

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 01, 2016, with the headline Train parents to help kids deal with depression. Subscribe