I am not a doctor, and from experience I can tell you that following the advice of novices is not something that is always beneficial. I am writing from experience and from the learning I have had from experts in this field, though I would never advice you to do anything without medical supervision.
There are four main forms of DEPRESSION.
* Major Depressive Disorder Symptons: Melancholy, loss of energy, impaired concentration, insomnia, hypersomnia and anxiety. In a child, these can hinder their performance at school as well as social and interpersonal relationships.
* Dysthymic Disorder: a milder form that usually lasts a miniumum of 2 years. It often goes untreated, as it can be overlooked or undiagnosed. It can begin at the age of 7 or 8 years, and may recur over a lifetime. It can be triggured my stress or loss.
* Bipolar Disorder (formerly known as Manic Depressive-Disorder): This is a severe and chronic roller coaster characterized by both both extreme highs and lows. It can be just as crippling as Major Depressive Disorders, as the symptoms are similar, even during euphoric phases. This disorder has a strong genetic link, though more than 80% of sufferers eventually recover if early intervention takes place.
* Seasonal Affective Disorder: This disorder seems to follow seasonal rythmns occuring in the winter months. Some researchers believe it may be a mild form of bipolar disorder.
DIAGNOSIS
Clinical diagnosis is possible in children as young as 5 or 6. Typically, major episodes last 9-12 months. 80% of children treated will improve by the end of the year. Even if untreated, the symptoms may disappear temporarily, but the risk will always be there, and may lead to drug abuse, suicide or sleep disorders.
TRUE STORY
I thank the Lord that treatment is available today. If it had been back when I was a child, I believe life for me may have been a lot better.
At the age of 3 I lost my mother. By the time I was 5 years old I believe I was showing symptoms of depression. I cannot remember a lot of those years, for I have blocked them out, but I do know that my Primary School years were hell. I was not only a loner, but had difficulties with learning and playing sport. I was often teased and yes, abused by teachers. The bitterness I experienced over the next 25 years of my life I do remember clearly.
I also believe that it was only my loving father's input and the Lord's faithfulness that kept me from becoming a drug addict or maybe even committing suicide.
Yes, I now suffer the symptoms of Severe Depression which are often triggered by other losses in my life - the death of my children, my sisters and parents, and the latest, the loss of my job; but thanks to the treatment that is now available to me, and the love of the Lord that gives me the courage to never give up, I am a beautiful woman of God.
But, this is why I have such a heart for children and teens who suffer from depression. It is why I am determined that every child who is placed in my care, gets the help they need. This is why I became a TEACHER.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A TEACHER OR PARENT?
As mentioned in my last BLOG, depression is very challenging for parents and teachers. You will need support from Mental Health Professionals. Most importantly these children have to know that they are loved and valued. This does not mean we overlook inappropriate behaviours, but we can use positive reinforcement and remember that your child is also facing a challenge.
SCHOOL INTERVENTION PROGRAMS
These need to start EARLY. Make sure that you organize a response team - administrators, counselors, physicians - who are there for you. Make sure you are all working together towards the same goals. Make sure, that you as the teacher and parent feel supported by this team.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
As a Learning Support teacher I have used a number of programs to help produce these `feel good' neurotransmitters that are beneficial in helping children cope with the negative emotions of depression. Brain Gym, ELF (motor skill) activities, are two of the best. Incorporate walks, field trips and aerobics into the curriculm or home program.
Recently I discoverd something that I would never guessed would help me with my depression. It has a silly name and it was introduced to me by my son (who I always said could never have one in the house) - the WII. My daily exercise program, the games I play by myself or with my husband, have helped to develop not only my motor skills, but a determination to improve my whole being. I also suffer from Dyscalcia (the numeric form of dyslexia). I choose games that will help me with this too. (more on this in later BLOGS).
If they ever give me my job back, I am going to incorporate the WII as part of the curriculm, and maybe for some children, some great homework.
TEACH COPING SKILLS.
My doctors have always said to me that I get through my times of depression because of my excellent coping skills. One doctor also agreed with me that the Lord helped a lot too. I have always been taught, though it hasn't always been easy, to think POSITIVELY ABOUT MYSELF. Psychologist have shown me techniques over the years in which to this. I am now at a stage in probably my worst bout of depression, in which I can see a future ahead for me, and am ready to face that future.
Schools have Guidance Officers that can now help children in their early years to start thinking possibility and to be empowered to face a number of difficulties.
NUTRITION
Do you ever get sick of people telling you to make sure you eat a good breakfast, and regular meals? But the fact is, psychological symptoms are often associated with deficiencies in several vitamins and minerals, which we only get by eating a good diet. St John's Wort, L-Tyrosine are over the counter suppliments that can be helpful BUT, from experience I warn you - DO NOT TAKE ANY HERBAL MEDICATION OR MULTIVITAMIN BEFORE CHECKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR SPECIALIST. Naturapaths are wonderful people, and their treatments do work, but if your child is already on any medication for any other disorders. eg Epilepsy; the effects can be catastrophic.
TEACH EFFECTIVE LIFE SKILLS.
Children can be retrained to think about themselves and their problems more optomistically. They can be shown how to generate new options and solutions to their problems. Professional counsellors and psychologists can help your child find new ways for resolving conflict. Cognitive, interpersonal and to some degree, behavioral therapies can be very affective.
MAKE SURE YOU SEEK ADVICE FROM A PHYSICIAN/PSYCHIATRIST.
It took me many years, and is still difficult at times, to accept that DEPRESSION IS A MENTAL ILLNESS. Just like my Epilepsy pills I need to take every day to prevent my fits, my anti-depressants have been described to help ease the symptoms of my depression. Studies are continually being done to show the effects of antipressents on children and these have been positive. There are other herbal medications you can take, but I cannot stress enough, the importance of seeking the CORRECT MEDICAL ADVICE.
THE BRAIN
We all have a BRAIN - a wondrous creation that God has made - and most of the time it functions perfectly. Reports suggest that severe depression occurs 40% more often in individuals with lesions in the basal ganglia - an area containing most of our neirotransmitters and receptors.
The cingulate gyrus is located behind the frontal lobes, and is also often implicated in depression. The limbic area (the deep frontal midbrain area) is is typically overactive when depressed. These also include two structures responsible for memory, emotion and perception. In depressed individuals, the subgenual prefrontal cortex, behind the bridge of the nose, has been shown to be less active and contain less brain tissue.
So you can see, Depression and Bipolar Disorders are MENTAL ILLNESSES and need to be treated as such. Oh, not like they did in the old days, by placing people in institutions or removing part of the brain; but by showing a little CARE and giving a little TIME to help our children who may be depressed to live a normal, productive life.
