Anxiety and Depression
6. Depression & 2e
Definition - Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. -Mayo Clinic
Children may display these symptoms but they may also show some or many of the following:
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Important aspects of depression:
- Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand. Many people who develop one have also experienced the other. While the two disorders are very different, their symptoms can be similar.
- The symptoms many people connect with depression are feelings of sadness or hopelessness plus low energy and loss of interest and enjoyment in favorite activities.
- There is no single known cause of depression. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) believes it most likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. The incidence of childhood depression has been growing steadily, and the age at which it first appears in children continues to drop. Psychologist Maureen Niehart believes that the number of gifted children who suffer depression by the age of 12 is as high as 10 percent.
- Depression is an illness that requires professional help. Depression and anxiety disorder are often treated in the same way and at the same time. Both respond well to therapy (individual, group, and/or family), education and when necessary, medication.
- Many educators and psychologists believe that a highly effective step is to help children to develop a sense of empowerment - give them an opportunity to develop their gift(s) and talent(s) and maybe figure out a way for them to do things both for themselves and for others. Finally, work to teach gifted and 2e children the skill of self-advocacy.
