Children Archives - Page 2 of 3 - 3-C Family Services

Childhood Depression

May 4, 2015 By 3cfs_Admin

By Dr. Leigh Blalock | Child and Adult Psychiatrist

Depression is a real illness that develops like many other diseases: through the interaction between genetics and the environment. Depression runs in families, which indicates a genetic influence on the disease process. Current research is working to identify specific genes that increase the risk of depression. Certain genes have been identified and it’s likely more will be identified in the future. However, genetics alone does not predict depression 100 percent. It is often the presence of environmental stressors on a genetically susceptible person that significantly increases the risk for depression.

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Talking with Kids About the Hard Stuff

June 19, 2014 By 3cfs_Admin

Most parents try and protect their kids from all of the terrible stuff in life, but since we can’t cut off a child’s access to the Internet or put them into a plastic bubble until they are 18, we have to learn to help them cope with many of life’s challenges, disappointments, and fears.

Death, illness, divorce, and bullying all hit close to home and can be very hard for children. Even events in the news that have no direct bearing on their lives can invade a child’s thoughts and cause them to be overcome with fear and anxiety.

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A Brilliant but Troubled Child

May 28, 2014 By 3cfs_Admin

Here is the story of Kevin. Kevin is an 11-year-old boy considered normal and healthy with a love for videogames and science fiction. He is extremely personable and chatty with family and strangers alike. Kevin also suffers from dramatic mood swings, lack of friendships within his peer group, and suicidal thoughts. Kevin has a recorded IQ in the 120s, which is considered above average or superior.

His high IQ was not known until he was tested at age 11. Until this time, Kevin was labeled with having ADHD, being borderline autistic, and having an anxiety disorder. His teachers considered him a classroom disruptor and his parents were often called to school to remove him. This led to extreme disturbances at the home, depression, and eventual home schooling.

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