Optimism is a skill and can be learnt
Optimism: Assuming the best, ‘Looking on the bright side’. Trying to see the positive aspect of situations even if the circumstances may be tough.
Pessimism: The opposite of optimism. Thinking the worst of something in a certain situation believing that everything will go wrong or simply having a strong negative perspective towards the majority of situations.
Depression is not a synonym for sadness
It is estimated that 20% of all teens experience depression before reaching adulthood
1 in 5 College students suffer from depression
The World Health Organization estimates that depression will be the second highest medical cause of disability by the year 2030, only second to HIV/AIDS.
Why is Depression becoming a bigger issue?
About 50 to 75 years ago, depression was not a topic of conversation, we were not looking for treatment for we can also say that effective treatments were also, not available. Experts suggest that teens nowadays are being raised with unrealistic expectations, social media then also portraying this; how we should always 'feel good' therefore are not introduced to many coping techniques.
Research also shows that students have started to feel more hopeless than in the past which also stops them from accepting, therefore they end up to believe that they have no control over what goes on in their lives.
Secondary is a challenging from grade 6-12 but it's important to make them enjoyable years… help the students cope, handle stress, also be there for support and understand how to help, for it is not only counsellors or psychologists that can ‘assist’ students if they have an issue, but teachers can too as they are surrounded by the students daily.
Depression is not fully recognised by all, neither are the ways in which can help reduce the risk altogether.
This website will discuss ways and techniques in which teachers can help their students using positive psychology to minimise the risk of depression.
Depression
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The direct definition of depression is feelings of severe despondency and dejection.
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Feelings of low self- worth
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Persistent feelings of sadness
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Disconnection (this could be in classes or from social situations)
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Lack of interest
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Trouble focusing
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Feeling like the world would be better off without you in it
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Insomnia