Depression
Without question, depression among the gifted population is a serious problem. However, does depression affect gifted children disproportionately? The literature holds different findings, depending on many background factors beyond the label of gifted. For example, there are reports on "Depression and Creativity", "Depression and Highly Gifted," and "Self-esteem and Depression," all of which may be applicable to high ability children. Maureen Neihart, in her chapter "Gifted Children and Depression" from her book, The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children: What Do We Know?, makes it clear that there is no evidence to support that depression is either more or less a problem in the gifted. There are two major reasons parents of gifted children should be especially aware of depression. Depression is more frequently observed in today's students, making it more likely that your child or one of your child's peers will be affected. Depression, as the name indicates, reduces interest in learning, a necessary component in the development of abilities. The variety of resources listed below can beging to help you sort through issues that may affect your child.
More Information
The chapter, "Gifted Children and Depression" by Maureen Neihart, is in NAGC's book, The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children: What Do We Know?
The article, "Depressive Disorder in Highly Gifted Adolescents" by Jackson and Jackson, (The Journal of Secondary Education 2003 Vol. XIV, No. 3, pp. 175-186) gives an overview of depression and explains how gifted students can be quite capable of hiding symptoms of depression. The shame at not being able to figure out or solve their problem, can lead gifted teens to deeper distress, which is why professional support is needed. Understanding that early intervention is essential, the review of literature included in this article is especially helpful for parents of teens who may be at risk.
In the article, "Existential Depression in Gifted Individuals," James Webb proposes that highly sensitive and aware children are more at risk for developing depression because they look beyond surface issues and have deeper and broader concerns.
Parents can model and support the development of confidence, a sense of justice, initiative, and perseverance - qualities that contribute to resilience. The book, The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience (Martin Seligman, 1995, Harper Perennial), has excellent suggestions for parents from a proactive perspective. Seligman's approach is one of "psychological immunizations," skills to prevent pessimism and learned helplessness, which can lead to a depressive attitude. Dr. Seligman's research on preventing depression received the MERIT Award of the National Institute of Mental Health.