Youth and Depression
Mental Health & Disabilities I am very sad when I think of how many young people in our society live with depression in another mental illness. It seems so wrong that at a time of life when people should be enjoying life, looking ahead to the future and the fulfillment of dreams, so many are finding themselves overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. Many don't even know that this is abnormal. Unfortunately, some youth will try alcohol, abuse substances, or become promiscuous to try to find a bit of relief from the darkness. Others simply withdraw because they do not have the energy to do what other youth do. Some attempt suicide (and some succeed) because life is just too hard, too complicated, too hopeless and it does not seem to be worthwhile to keep trying. Some common mental illnesses are depression, bi-polar or manic depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Fortunately for most people, especially when they are identified at an early age, there is help! This help may come from various sources. Chemical imbalances in the brain need medication. Family, relational or personal issues need counseling or psychotherapy. Sometimes therapists can also help the person accept the need for taking medication. In some instances spiritual help from clergy or spiritual directors can be very significant. All people need understanding and support. Generally the more resources and supports a person has, the greater the likelihood of recovery and of better quality of life ahead. Teachers and other people who interact with youth can be tremendously valuable catalysts for youth who live with a mental illness. Perhaps the most significant thing we can do is to learn more about these illnesses. That will help us to detect the symptoms and it may make us less judgmental of students. That in turn may open the doors to talking with students and to opportunities to refer them to help. Understanding mental illness will also help us to use words and illustrations that are positive rather than negative for people experiencing mental illness. Discussion of movies or music the students relate to can open the door to healthy discussions about mental illness. Discussion in an ordinary situation helps to normalize mental illness and this reduces the stigma. That, in turn, may help students to acknowledge their own or even a family member's illness without feeling that something is so terribly wrong that it needs to be hidden. While guidance counselors may have a greater responsibility in guiding staff and students to learn more about mental illness, it is important that they do not work in isolation. Literature courses may present natural opportunities and science and math teachers can use examples so that more normalization happens. Teaching is not an easy task but most teachers love their students and want the very best for them. Your becoming aware of the issues around mental illness may help some youth to find help earlier rather than later - it may even save the lives of some students who could become another Einstein, Churchill, or Handel!
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