The Causes of Depression
Some research indicates that November is a time when depression rises. I have seen this first hand in my practice, especially with depression and learning disabilities.
I believe the weather change contributes but I also think that because November is getting close to the end of the calendar year, some feel hopeless and helpless about the future and what the new year will bring.
One looks back at the current year and thinks negative thoughts about how the year has gone, and feels very pessimistic that the coming year will be any better. Therefore we need to be informed and understand what depression is and what it isn’t, and what can be done.
We also need to understand how youth with learning disabilities are at increased risk for depression. This is another very important reason for getting your child assessed. If your child is showing signs of anxiety or depression, it is very wise to rule-in or rule-out any learning struggles which could be contributing to their mental health struggles. Early intervention is proven to help.
Depression does not mean…
- a person is lazy
- a person is being willfully difficult, irritable or mean – (It’s important to remember that their outside demeanour reflects their inner state)
- a person comes from an uncaring family
- a person who is trying to smile on the outside is not feeling numb or deeply depressed on the inside
The Three Causes of Depression
According to Marisa Peer, the UK’s highly acclaimed therapist, depression is caused by:
⓵ Harsh, hurtful critical words that you say to yourself on a daily basis (self-bullying)
⓶ Not following your heart’s desire or life purpose
⓷ Feeling different and disconnected
Depression and Learning Disabilities
Children, teens and adults with a learning disability are at much greater risk for anxiety and depression. This research article documents the research on Depression, Suicide and Learning Disabilities. (P.6 has a good table summary).
If we look at Marisa Peer’s three causes for depression, we can see how that directly relates to someone with learning struggles. (Learning struggles could mean a Learning Disability, ADHD Autism Spectrum Disorder or Anxiety – all of these factors make learning in a traditional way much more challenging.)
Daily negative critical self-talk: If I have a learning struggle then I’m going to be aware of this, and as a child or teen, think “I’m stupid” “I suck” “I’m useless” etc.
Not following my heart’s desire or life purpose: If I have a learning struggle, I’m going to wonder how is there any hope for me? How am I going to make a life for myself? How am I going to pursue any of my career dreams, if I find elementary or high school so difficult?
Feeling different and disconnected: If I have a learning struggle, I look around and immediately feel different. I feel disconnected because other kids seem to “get it” and I don’t or everyone else finishes their work so much quicker, and I’m always last. I feel different and that does not feel good. There’s something wrong with me. There’s no hope for me. People look at me and think he/she’s stupid. I may therefore engage in self-harming behaviours to escape my reality or relieve my pain: cutting, excessive marijuana use and other substances, video-game addiction, Netflix bingeing, disordered eating etc.
Watch Marisa Peer’s 10 minute video on the Three Causes of Depression and What Can Be Done.
I am very passionate about helping people understand their unique brains and understanding that learning struggles can be navigated. Cathy McMillan is the founder of Dyslexia BC and has the rights to showing the award-winning documentary: The Big Picture Rethinking Dyslexia by James Redford.
James Redford (who died in October 2020 due to Cancer) is the son of movie director, Robert Redford. James’ son Dylan Redford has Dyslexia and is featured in the film. I have seen the film and highly recommend it for all families who have a child with a learning disability and teachers.
Dyslexia BC and the Learning Disabilities Fraser South Chapter, is airing the film ONLINE on November 30th, 2020 at 6:30pm PT. I will be speaking as part of the post-documentary discussion right after the film. I highly recommend purchasing your $5 ticket here for you and your child (recommended for ages 10 and up) so that you, your child, your child’s teacher etc. can have a greater understanding of Dyslexia which covers most language-based learning disorders. (**Please forward this to your child’s teacher.)
The Award winning Documentary was Produced by James Redford from a parent perspective and there is medical input provided by Dr. Sally Shaywitz from the Yale Center for Dyslexia.
The Movie features Dylan Redford , a high school senior on his way to college and several successful leaders including Richard Branson and Charles Schwab.
The Big Picture is an inspiring documentary for parents, teachers and children to promote education and understanding about Dyslexia.
The Movie is 52 minutes long and outlines some of the strengths that lead many dyslexics to success and also identifies many of the challenges that face dyslexics every day.
Unfortunately, there are very long waiting lists for free psycho-educational assessments and they are only for the most severe cases. However, if you have extended health coverage this can go towards the cost of your private psycho-educational assessment. For Vancouver-based families, I recommend: The ABLE Clinic, Susan Matthews, Dr. Megan Smith, and Dr. Raazhan Rae-Seebach. (For Learning Struggles and ASD assessments, I recommend The ABLE Clinic and Dr. Raazhan Rae-Seebach)
Please share this article with any family, friends, teachers, schools etc. that can benefit. I truly believe that we need to support our children and teens with learning struggles better, academically and mentally.
Awareness creates action. Please spread awareness.
Warmly,
PS. Here’s the link again to purchase your $5 online ticket to watch the Redford Award Winning Documentary: The Big Picture – Rethinking Dyslexia and post documentary discussion with Cathy MacMillan (founder of Dyslexia BC) and Sharon Selby (Registered Clinical Counsellor and Mental Health Advocate).
📷 Photo credit: Thank you to Sydney Sims on Unsplash
Some previous articles on depression and the importance of psycho-educational assessment:
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