Depression doesn’t just affect adults—it can begin in childhood, often going unnoticed until years later. In this episode, Sally looks back at her own childhood and shares how her early signs of depression were overlooked and misunderstood. From excessive sleeping to dark writing and persistent sadness, Sally’s story highlights why recognizing and responding to childhood depression is crucial.
Listeners will learn what warning signs to watch for, why stigma often delays support, and how families, schools, and communities can intervene earlier to change the trajectory of a child’s life.
This conversation is a reminder to parents, educators, and caregivers: children often lack the words to describe what they’re feeling, but their behaviors, writings, and silences may be speaking for them.
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Why childhood depression matters
01:00 - Sally’s story: looking back at her 10-year-old self
02:15 - Early symptoms: excessive sleeping, sadness, and withdrawal
03:25 - The impact of grief after losing her grandmother
04:10 - Dark poetry as a cry for help
05:10 - Teacher concern that went unaddressed at home
06:05 - A childhood letter that revealed hidden depression
07:30 - Growing up without mental health support
08:40 - First diagnosis and antidepressant experience in adulthood
10:05 - The struggle with stopping and restarting medications
12:20 - Building a successful career while managing depression
13:20 - How depression still “feels like wearing a rain-soaked coat”
14:30 - The importance of recognizing childhood depression today
15:40 - Ending stigma and demanding support for kids
16:50 - Final reflections: helping children get help sooner
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