About Aleah Expertise I've suffered depression, and I hope I can help you through it. I used to believe I had no
value in life, but now, each day is a new adventure. I want to help you find that hope. I can
answer questions about managing stress and depression, becoming more organized,
feeling happy, and finding pride. I can even answer questions pertaining to helping a
friend in need.
I cannot answer medical questions! I can't diagnose or suggest any anti-depressants.
Experience I've suffered depression and climbed the hill to what I believe is the best I've ever felt. I've helped friends feel more energized as well.
Education/Credentials I am currently studying psychology and education.
Expert: Aleah Date: 5/20/2008 Subject: working with someone who is depressed
Question I am a teacher and work with young people with learning difficulties. One of my colleagues -who I like and value - has had depressive episodes for over 20 years. At the moment she is very stressed and is unnecessarily harsh with the students. This has been noted by others and as her manager I have been asked to deal with it. I fear that if I question my colleague's attitude - even gently- she will over react and it could make her depression worse (she has explained that she can take an innocent remark to heart and dwell on it for days). However my first loyalty is to the young people I teach and feel that they are the most vulnerable in this scenario(in that they are being spoken to without being valued and so their self confidence could be damaged - not that they are at risk of any physical abuse). How do I get my colleague to evaluate her own actions and change her behaviour towards the young people she is paid to support without making her feel 'unworthy' or 'useless' (her description of herself - not mine)
Answer Kathryn,
As a future music educator, I agree with you in full – the teacher is a strong influence on young minds. I plan to teach – not just because I can – but because I want to. I want to change lives and spark creativity.
That being said, I’ve also had some very negative teachers – and they essentially scared me from even talking in their classes.
I think the first step of the process is to remind her of the importance of being a teacher. Ask her how her students are doing: is she proud of them? Have they grown? Are they confident in class?
You’re right; those with depression are quick to feel “worthless” upon confrontation. However, complements and encouragement can help them by yards. Remind her that she’s an intelligent woman and that her students look up to her. Tell her that students learn a lot from her in a year. Let her know that the faculty is blessed to have her. Even if these statements aren’t entirely true, they can help.
Then break it down to her. Tell her that you really care about her as a colleague and you care about her well-being. Remind her that you want to see her happy and upbeat, and if she’s still struggling, to make sure that she gets the help that she needs. Remind her also that her attitude towards everything affects the students: if she hates math, so do her students.
Lastly, remind her how it feels to truly touch somebody – the good, warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing that you’ve helped a child in need. It’s a feeling of importance; that she’s significant to a child – and that is why we teach. Her students can give her a dedication nobody else can give her – that is, if she’s good to them. That is definitely why we teach.
If she denies not doing well enough, maybe sit in on one of her classes. If it's possible, you might even film one of her lectures and show her what she could do better.
Good luck, and let me know how it goes. If you need any further assistance, feel free to leave a follow-up.
