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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 25, 2009 - 5 Parents given signs of depression Continued from page 1 Cathy Thompson, a program consultant on teen depression and anxiety with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, began the seminar by noting the mental health of students in Ontario is a very real issue. As proof, she pointed to a 2007 Ontario-wide mental health survey, which indicated 38 per cent of the students, who were questioned, reported they were constantly under stress, while 30.8 per cent reported experiencing elevated psychological distress over a period of two weeks. The survey also noted there were differences along gender lines when it came to the mental health of students with 16 per cent of surveyed girls rating their mental health as poor compared to seven per cent of surveyed boys. Another statistic noted that five per cent of surveyed girls were taking medication for depression compared to 2.4 per cent of surveyed boys. Thompson said the possible signs of depression are many and include: · Constant feeling of sadness; · Unable to enjoy the things that used to bring enjoyment; · Feeling life is meaningless; · Frequent irritation;. · Changes in sleeping habits or eating patterns; · Thoughts of death; · A negative attitude or feeling that nothing matters. "All of this doesn't necessarily mean that they have depression. Often these things are part of being a normal teenager," said Thompson. "Changes to eating and sleeping patterns are something we see in most teens, but when the pattern starts to interfere with their lives that's when it becomes problematic. They can't go to school, they're not eating, they may develop an eating disorder." Having listed the signs of depression, Thompson next showed parents what depression actually sounds like by reading a quote from a young woman, who was participating in a focus group on depression. "You just get so used to having all these downfalls and being kicked when you're down. After a while, you just have no hope anymore. You're just like, `This is the way it is,' and you just have to accept it and live with the fact that, `Hey my life sucks and it's always going to suck,'" read Thompson. "For several years now people have been trying to help me out and I never really thought they could help me, but I'm wishing now that maybe I should have taken that help a long time ago. Maybe things wouldn't have reached the point that they have today." Thompson said communication is important when it comes to dealing with a loved one who has depression, but points out that communication must be done in a particular way. Those doing the speaking must talk calmly and quietly to avoid esca- "You just get so used to having all these downfalls and being kicked when you're down. After a while, you just have no hope anymore." Young woman in focus group on depression meet with a physician for an hour, hour and a half, and talk about what some of your concerns might be," said Andres-LeMay. "Some kids might just need that one session to talk about what their feelings are. For other kids, they're dealing with much more stuff and so we determine if there is a treatment plan we can offer or if there are other services that would be appropriate." To contact ROCK, call the Oakville office at 905339-3525. ROCK's 24-hour crisis line is 905-878-9785. FOOT PAIN? Roger D. Newell, D. Pod. M., & Associates · over 30 years in practice · former teacher, Toronto General Hospital · former consultant, Ontario Ministry of Health Recognize These Problems? FOOT CLINIC & ORTHOTIC CENTRE CHIROPODISTS - FOOT SPECIALISTS Shin `splints' bent hammer toes Corns & Warts Arthritic & Swollen Joints Sore Ankles acrhilles tendinitis lating the situation. Thompson advised the speaker to stay focused on one subject at a time as those suffering from depression sometimes have difficulty concentrating. Patience is key. It may take a while before the loved one is willing to talk back. Finally, if the person is irritated, Thompson said the speaker should back off and talk about something neutral, ie. the weather. "If the symptoms of depression persist for more than two weeks, that's a good time to check in with the family doctor," said Thompson. Vaitonis said Loyola has three guidance counsellors, a chaplain and a child youth care counsellor to help students when needed, but said that they can only act when they are aware of a problem. For that awareness, Vaitonis called on parents to let the school know if they observe their children displaying any concerning behaviour. Easier said than done, according to one parent. "My daughter doesn't want to talk to me about this (recent deaths)," she said. "She won't talk to the chaplain. Religion doesn't seem to be the solution for her. Most of us, at 17, never went through anything like this. They seem to be getting immune to it." One school official said having a caring adult in a child's life cannot be underestimated and pointed out that the school is acting where it can. "In terms of what we can do to support our students, it could be something very simple, it could be adjusting time tables, or lunches, or looking at course loads, maybe extending the deadline for exams or assignments," said Vaitonis. "The kids need to know we're here to help them and support them." Help is available through the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK). "The kind of services we have available include individual therapy, family therapy as well as some group therapy for kids suffering from anxiety and depression," said Dr. Joy Andres-LeMay, ROCK clinical manager. "Another service we have available, which is quite valuable for parents and for teens, is our crisis service. We have a 24-hour crisis line, anyone can access it." Andres-LeMay noted ROCK functions like a walk-in clinic, operating on a first come, first served basis. This clinic is open Tuesdays from noon-8 p.m. with final appointments at 6:30 p.m. "At that initial meeting, you would Heel Bumps Discover the convenience. Experience the trust. Glen Oaks provides everything you need for final arrangements... with a Chapel, Reception Rooms, Crematorium and mature Cemetery - all at one location! At your time of need, or when planning ahead, rely on our trusted specialists. cracked scaley skin Arch Pain & Ball of Foot Tightness Heel Pain (Spurs & Fasciitis) Burning and Pain INSURANCE COVERAGE - coverage provided by most extended medical plans. Many services can be billed Direct. e.g. Green Sheild - teachers, autoworkers, etc... · Green Shield Preferred Provider · Thick Discoloured Toe Nails Bunions DON'T DELAY. BOOK NOW. HAVE TO LOSE IS TO FOOT IS YOUR FOOT PAIN! DON'T DELAY. 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