ScottCounseling

As a school counselor, I am beginning to see more younger females who exhibit the symptoms of depression or have been diagnosed with depression. Stress appears to be a leading factor for depression in younger females. Participation in too many activities, desire to get good grades and low self-esteem seem to bring about most of the stress symptoms exhibited. Child psychologist and child behavior experts agree that the increase in female teen depression is on the rise. More research in this category of child development needs to be explored. This article explores some of the social, biological and environmental factors involved in this area of depression.

Social and Economic Factors

The role that school, friendships… Continue Reading

As a fun summer comes to an end, butterflies nerves fill the bellies of many children as they get dressed for their first day back to school. Parents assure their child that they will do “just fine.” For most children that’s where the anxiety ends; they reach the classroom, catch up with their friends and get on with their day. But for some children, the anxiety of leaving home and going to school is so overwhelming that they are unable to attend school at all; these children have become school phobic.

About 5-10% of American school children suffer from a mild form of what is commonly known as school phobia. About 1% suffer from a more severe form, leading to serious… Continue Reading

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people. A major cause of suicide is mental illness, commonly known as depression. Young adults who are suffering from depression are often overwhelmed by painful emotions and see death as the only way out. There are several categories or levels of depression.

Situational Depression: Sadness due to break up of friendship, loss, not being successful or a short term failure are common examples of situational depression. Almost ever human-being faces this kind of depression in their life time.

Acute Depression: On-going situational depression that may begin to affect the body in a physical manner. A constant sadness, lack of sleep and anxiety are common symptoms.

Chronic Depression: A constant, on-going depression… Continue Reading

The causes of depression in children are numerous. Child psychologist agree that depression is a complex disease that can occur as a result of a variety of childhood situations.

For some, depression occurs due to a loss of a loved one, a change or move, or after being placed in a situation that causes severe fear or abuse. Like adults, depression can occur in children due to family history.
Common factors involved in causing depression in children may include:

Personal and ongoing disputes within a family

Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse

Major events that occur in everyone’s lives, such as moving, starting school, divorce parents, death of a pet

Serious illness: depressed feelings are a common reaction to many medical illnesses certain medications.

A history of depression in… Continue Reading

According to Cleveland Department of Psychology

“Bipolar disorder used to be known as manic depressive disorder. It’s a serious illness, one that can lead to risky behavior, damaged relationships and careers, even suicidal tendencies — if it’s not treated.”
Bipolar disorder involves extreme changes in moods; also known as poles. These mood changes or swing range from mania behavior (highs) to depression (lows). In between these mood swings, an individual with Bipolar disorder may experience a normal mood.
The Cleveland Clinic of Psychiatry describes manic behavior as “an increasingly restless, energetic, talkative, reckless, powerful, euphoric period. Lavish spending sprees or impulsive risky sex can occur. Then, at some point, this high-flying mood can spiral into something darker — irritation, confusion, anger, feeling trapped.”

“Depression” is an opposite… Continue Reading

Be a role model for your child. During stressful times, demonstrate calm controller emotions. Be honest about how you feel, but stay calm and become solution oriented.

Listen to your child. Try not to be judgmental, but reassuring.

Encourage your child to ask questions, problem-solve and share solutions for the stress.

Let your child know that stress, fear and the other feelings that he or she is going through are not unusual for many people.

Be positive. Do not overreact; especially when your child overreacts.

Become familiar with situations that becomes stressful for your child. Discuss these situations in advance. Try not to minimize the situation, but become proactive in helping you child by listening and develop solutions.

Use positive encouragement instead of… Continue Reading

Chemical Health Assessment & Treatment Process
Children who abuse or misuse drugs or chemicals need to have a chemical assessment for proper identification of the existing problems. Contact your child’s school counselor to help you locate the closest chemical assessment agency where you live. This article will provide you other factors, terminology and conditions to consider before you seek professional help for your child.
Physical Signs and Symptoms of Chemical Use

Droopy eyelids
Tremors
Dry mouth
Small or large pupils
Pale or flush skin color
Odor of alcohol, marijuana, vomit, chemical, urine
Facial

itching
Raspy voice
Warm body
Headaches
Poorly kept appearance
Perspiring
Drug paraphernalia, pills, small pill bottles, syringes, paint residue
Grinding teeth
Behavioral Sign of Chemical Use

Enter your search terms Submit search form

Web
www.scottcounseling.com… Continue Reading