A depressed parent loses interest in the child and its needs. Verbal and nonverbal communication is reduced. Interactions, even if present, are full of tension, sadness, and anger. A depressed parent directs towards the child messages about the lack of faith in the child’s abilities and skills. The behaviour of a depressed parent is often inconsistent (from being excessive demanding to excessively lenient). The child observing the parents, through imitation and modelling, takes over stereotypes of thought, models of behaviour and ways of functioning, which become permanent traits of its personality.
