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We have highlighted some of the risk factors and
warning signs of depression so we should also underscore the fact that there are
Protective Factors that seem to build a "buffer" against depression. Protective
factors often cited by mental health professionals are:
- Good communication- keeping lines of communication open between the child and adults in their lives.
- Family/community Connections- child has a sense of being accepted and connected to a unit of individuals. This gives a sense of belonging.
- Strong Verbal Problem Solving Skills-developing skills of negotiation and compromise helps to prevent extreme behaviors.
- Ability to delay gratification- is important for developing flexibility and skills of accommodation that are required in life.
To this official list of protective factors, I would
add Curbing Competition. I am not advocating that our young people should not
strive for excellence in what they do. However, that striving sometimes becomes
obsessive and reaches fever pitch. Parents and other caregivers would do well to
teach children that they are not failures if they don't place 1st in everything.
Stressing giving the best effort possible is the alternative message that may
protect children from feelings of depression and worthlessness.
The most important thing to remember if you feel
your young person has symptoms of depression is to get help. Ignoring it will
not make it go away. You would not ignore a fever that went on for even a few
days. Depression is a health issue. It is treatable and there is increasingly
less stigma attached to receiving treatment. Don't let pride or shame keep you
from getting your child help before the situation turns into a crisis that you
really cannot manage.
Doris E. Shafombabi,Ph.D.
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Philadelphia, PA
depsych@yahoo.com
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