Two Types of Chronic Depressive Conditions

"Chronic depressive conditions" is a term for conditions that involve longstanding depressed mood not directly related to a specific incident or set of circumstances. Two examples of chronic depressive conditions will now be described in the following.

Difficult Temperament

Some children seem to be born with the proverbial "cloud over their heads." They rarely smile, have trouble controlling themselves emotionally and physiologically (for example, sleeping and eating irregularly), and seem to be constantly making demands on others. Perhaps in response to their poor internal control, they try too hard to control their environments, resulting in inflexibility and difficulty dealing with change. This so-called difficult temperament can persist, to a degree, for most of their lives unless they learn alternative ways of coping. Children with difficult temperament can do very well in certain circumstances. For example, stubbornness that is appropriately channeled can contribute to success. Consequently, these children are not considered to have a disorder. Nevertheless, they suffer from their own difficulty adapting, and sometimes become depressed when faced with the challenges of adolescence.

Low Self-Esteem

Self-esteem may be defined as confidence in and satisfaction with oneself (Merriam Webster online dictionary). Self-esteem is an odd concept: those who have it, rarely think about it; those who don't, are preoccupied with their lack of it. Adolescence predisposes teens to self-esteem problems because teens are often self-conscious. They feel that others are watching them and evaluating them more than is realistic. This self-consciousness is part of the healthy adolescent quest for individual identity. For some teens, however, it can result in unfavorable comparisons with others. These teens suffer low moods related to their constant focus on self-worth or their perceived lack of it. Family problems or rejection by others can compound the problem.

What these teens need to develop is a sense of being valuable and loveable just as they are (regardless of the latest comparison or competition). Thus, finding an activity they excel at is only part of the answer. Accepting them, laughing with them (never at them), and normalizing some of the self-absorption of youth are equally important. Taking the focus off comparisons with others, and instead emphasizing "being the best you can be" is helpful. Also, parents can show by example that it is possible to have fun regardless of whether you are "winning" or "losing" in a given activity. Teens can learn that life is much more enjoyable when we focus on the moment, rather than ourselves.



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