By Dana Miller, Accountability Committee Chair
December’s accountability speaker, licensed social worker Andrea Philleo, provided some important insight into helping our daughters manage the roller coaster years of adolescence. According to Philleo, there is no one size fit all approach but it is important to note that the number of girls that struggle during this time is immeasurable so if your daughter is struggling – you are not alone. If you are concerned for your child’s well-being, signs of clinical depression include: pulling away from what is normal for them; self-injury; your child no longer seeming like themselves, sleep changes; overeating/undereating; excessive time alone and isolated; and withdrawing from activities/events they normally engage in. If these symptoms last for two weeks or longer this is a red flag and a sign that your daughter may need help. What we can do as parents to help - conscious parenting - look at the way that our children are experiencing us as parents (how are we adapting at life, what are our moods, our stress, etc.). Normalize the condition for your child – all children go through changes in adolescence. These fluctuations are normal and are healthy. Irritation, stress, etc., are all normal. As parents, we must first develop a tolerance for these normal changes and developments. Next, develop a good method for listening to your daughter. The top complaint of most girls is that their parents don’t listen (parents think they are listening). Girls don’t always want advice or direction, but often just need to vent feelings without judgment. Allow your daughter to express feelings without shame or guilt. Develop a wellness plan around mental health. First, look at nutrition (reduce sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed foods). Consider high protein foods first thing in the morning. Second, eliminate alcohol and drugs. These can exacerbate depression. Third, spend time outside. Vitamin D helps reduce depression/anxiety. If you cannot get outside, Vitamin D supplements can also help at night before bed. Fish oil, Omega 3 and 6 have also been shown to help reduce depression. Fourth, exercise. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for depression. Mental health treatment – once a wellness plan is developed the parent may also want to look at formal mental health treatment. Look at both individual therapy for the child, as well as a family treatment component. Family treatment often addresses underlying issues with family dynamics that the parent may not be aware of (look for a licensed marriage and family counselor - LMFC). Developing a connection with your daughter is the biggest tool in preventing depression/anxiety or intervening if depression/anxiety develops. Please join us for our next meeting on February 13 at 7 am in Room E100 where D’Evelyn’s very own Suzanne Roberts will discuss the rising trend in teen anxiety – the most common mental health disorder for American adolescents. Ms. Roberts will share how parents and other adults can help along with specific resources. The accountability committee wishes all of our D’Evelyn families a happy and healthy holiday! |
The Accountability Committee advises both the Principal and the Steering Committee by evaluating the schools effectiveness and researching pertinent issues. Archives
October 2022
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