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AmyZ
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Posted: Thu Jun 21st, 2007 04:02 am |
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Existential Depression in Gifted Individuals
James T. Webb, Ph.D.
Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted
Very interesting and readable article introducing the idea that gifted people are more likely to suffer from "Existential Depression" than "average" folks and often at a young age.
To quote the article, "Existential depression is a depression that arises when an individual confronts certain basic issues of existence...[such as] death, freedom, isolation and meaninglessness."
The article further states that because gifted children are more likely to think on such things than their age peers they are also more likely to feel the isolation when their age peers can't relate to their concerns.
One of the things I like about this article is that it doesn't just identify a problem but also suggests a solution: "[W]e can help youngsters learn to feel that they are understood and not so alone and that there are ways to manage their freedom and their sense of isolation." Webb goes on to suggest specific concepts to communicate to ease their concerns.
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Shay
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Posted: Thu Jun 21st, 2007 05:56 am |
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That was very interesting, Amy. I have noticed some of the deep reflective thinking in my oldest (identified gifted) since a very early age. And yes, he sometimes gets a little down ( I wouldn't say he was depressed, though, just visibly worried and "down"). At one point, he was unsettled because he just didn't know how in the world he was going to be able to pay for college (at 7 yo), what his platform was going to be when he ran for President, or how he was going to earn enough money to retire at a decent age and travel. Sounds funny, but he was serious to the point of genuinely worrying about it.
It seems, though, that he has improved a bit with these kinds of thoughts. At any rate, it is something to remember to keep an eye on......and I also liked that the author described some helpful things, such as touch.
I've not noticed anything similar in any of my other dc (haven't been tested for giftedness).
Shay
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angel
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Posted: Thu Jun 21st, 2007 12:56 pm |
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Amy, Thanks for sharing this article and this ties in with our discussion with teen suicide.
As I read the quote below about touch, I thought to myself saying yes, this is needed throughout life and especially during the hard times.
A particular way of breaking through the sense of isolation is through touch. In the same way that infants need to be held and touched, so do persons who are experiencing existential aloneness. Touch seems to be a fundamental and instinctual aspect of existence, as evidenced by mother-infant bonding or "failure to thrive" syndrome. Often, I have "prescribed" daily hugs for a youngster suffering existential depression and have advised parents of reluctant teenagers to say, "I know that you may not want a hug, but I need a hug." A hug, a touch on the arm, playful jostling, or even a "high five" can be very important to such a youngster, because it establishes at least some physical connection
Many times, people have a tendency to withdraw when they are having inner struggles, and we need to reach out physically to those in need even more during those times.
My younger one is very physical and always giving out hugs and kisses, and thankfully I have learned from him. This is very necessary, not just among husband and wife, but between parent and child.
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Cassie
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Posted: Fri Jun 22nd, 2007 03:47 pm |
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| Shay, my 9 year old (gifted) has had the same worries about how to pay for college, how to pass college, how to buy a house, how to find a job, etc. Starting early....
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