Understanding why children and teenagers become depressed and how to help them heal

Some people feel afraid of working with depressed children and young people (CYP) . They feel unskilled and very anxious about the possibility of suicide and so they quickly refer on to CAMHS. But research shows that one in four teenagers on CAMHS waiting lists try to take their own lives (Young Minds, End the Wait Campaign) and many never get seen at all. So Margot will discuss the need to skill far more child professionals to recognise, connect with and alleviate the psychological pain of CYP in despair.

This presentation provides evidence-based interventions for reaching out and connecting with distressed and traumatised CYP, in ways that enable them to feel heard, seen and valued.

The importance of compassionate human responses will be addressed, alongside vital knowledge about hearing their stories in ways that heal. Margot will also discuss causes of depression and the neuroscience and psychology of depression. Using a moving case study as illustration, she will demonstrate the process of transformational change and address how organisations and schools can do so much to prevent CYP becoming depressed in the first place.

Dr Margot Sunderland

Director of Education and Training at The Centre for Child Mental Health, Director of Innovation and Research Trauma Informed Schools UK, Honorary Visiting Fellow at London Metropolitan University and Child Psychotherapist with over thirty years’ experience of working with children and families.

Trained initially in Child psychotherapy with John Hood Williams (former Principal - Institute of Child Psychology - Lowenfeld training). Worked for years as a child and adolescent psychotherapist in children’s homes and adolescent units.

Author of over twenty books in the field of child mental health, which collectively have been translated into eighteen languages and published in twenty-four countries. Internationally acclaimed book, “The Science of Parenting” (Dorling Kindersley), won First Prize in the British Medical Association Medical Book awards 2007 Popular Medicine section. Dr Sunderland has two doctorates, one in child psychotherapy, thesis entitled “The Application of Art and Science to the Psychological Treatment of Children.”