Call To Action
My call to action is to not only introduce the concept of depression, how to help it, and what to do if someone may have it early on in schooling. In addition, pediatricians should speak with their patients one on one, rather than giving them a paper survey of their mood.
More Into Detail
Earlier Education
Schooling about depression often begins at middle school age. However, 2 to 3 percent of children between 6 and 12 are diagnosed with depression, and 4 to 6 percent of children age 12 to 17. This is millions of children in just the US, making the worldwide amount even higher! Starting lessons at middle school age ignores the age group of 6 to 12 years old. If informative lessons about depression as well as positive thinking begin at an earlier age, then children may be more likely to help themselves and others prevent or treat depression as they begin to get older.
Pediatric Appointments
Pediatricians tend to take surveys of children to observe if they have signs of depression. These surveys are typically on paper and not with the actual doctor. Children often act as they are fine and some may lie if they are given a simple form. Talking to someone one on one will be more effective as well as informative, as the doctor can examine the child's emotions and answers in person. This will help the issue of depression because doctors can notice signs earlier on and help treat the issues before they worsen.
Is Anyone Already Doing This?
As mentioned above, schools are doing this a bit, however, they should be doing it sooner. According to this link ,“School systems in California, New Jersey, Texas, Minnesota, New York, and Illinois have adopted this program to prevent depression and improve classroom behavior among their students. Cities in China, Canada, and Australia are also trying out the program.” However, this is leaving out many states and countries, which makes it harder to decrease the depression rates, even just in the US. In terms of the doctors, they look for signs of depression, but not in as much detail as it should be.
Will this work?
This will work because if schools are required to inform students and enhance positive thinking, students will be aware of preventative methods at a younger age, preparing them to help themselves and/or friends and family in future situations. Currently, many schools begin these programs in middle school, however, with rates growing higher and higher for young ages, it will be more helpful to begin these programs at younger ages. In addition, most children go to the doctor's office for annual appointments. This is a great place for behavior to be monitored because changes can be seen from each visit.