Depression Supporters Support Group
This community is dedicated to spouses, children, relatives, co-workers and others who are actively supporting someone suffering from depression or other serious mental illness. Depression can bring about intense sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive, which can have a grave impact on the ability of others trying to help.
I am in a quandary and I need some opinions. I don't know if I should let this go or not. I let it go once and now I'm obsessed with this idea again.
Story: My son, JM ,at 16 was hospitalized last spring for depression. It was a scary experience and it wasn't very comforting to know that the school my son was attending wasn't very well equipped to handle the situation. Some of the teachers were "experts" (one had a grandmother who had it) while others seemed to not accept, or better yet, understand it. The principal appeared to be inexperience himself. I remember thinking that something has to be done about this. When the air cleared, I asked the principal if we can get a speaker, I found on-line, to speak to our school about depression and the like to the students and parents. He seemed receptive, but it took 6 months to get him to contact the speaker. He FINALLY did it, after I e-mailed him, called him, and when I saw him at sporting events to ask him if he connected with him. I was a pest. The speaker told me that my persistence paid off. It did, but I wasn't satisfied. My son's school needs help. I talked to the principal and, although he says he cares and wants to do something about it, he is avoiding me and not following through with my information. I mentioned that I was able to get a speaker (a doctor who started an adolescent awareness program in her area) to speak to the teachers and staff for a teachers' in-service. My husband and I said we would take care of the cost by contacting people to underwrite the talk. This principal has a reputation for not returning e-mails or calls. Problem is, he has his hands in so many things that he spreads himself too thin and can't follow through on everything. He told me that I had permission to bug him about this but then seemed put off when I asked him. I asked him what the hold up was and he said funds. I told him that I already told him that that part was going to be taken care of and he didn't say anything. I told him that I would do whatever it takes to get something going if not now, but the future. So, I then decided to let it go. He sent me mixed signals and I guess it took me awhile to "get it".
Question: Should I contact the cirriculum director myself, too? He did but didn't seem to get anywhere, or maybe he has but isn't sharing it with me. I really feel very strongly about educating the teachers and staff on this issue. It was so surprising how little they know. The students need help too.
I don't want to alienate myself anymore because I have a younger son who has another 2 years at the school and he's on an I.E.P, so I need the principal to be on "our side", so to speak.
Should I let this go and let someone else tackle this some other time? **I did e-mail some politicians about instituting mental health awareness in the schools and haven't heard anything, yet.
Story: My son, JM ,at 16 was hospitalized last spring for depression. It was a scary experience and it wasn't very comforting to know that the school my son was attending wasn't very well equipped to handle the situation. Some of the teachers were "experts" (one had a grandmother who had it) while others seemed to not accept, or better yet, understand it. The principal appeared to be inexperience himself. I remember thinking that something has to be done about this. When the air cleared, I asked the principal if we can get a speaker, I found on-line, to speak to our school about depression and the like to the students and parents. He seemed receptive, but it took 6 months to get him to contact the speaker. He FINALLY did it, after I e-mailed him, called him, and when I saw him at sporting events to ask him if he connected with him. I was a pest. The speaker told me that my persistence paid off. It did, but I wasn't satisfied. My son's school needs help. I talked to the principal and, although he says he cares and wants to do something about it, he is avoiding me and not following through with my information. I mentioned that I was able to get a speaker (a doctor who started an adolescent awareness program in her area) to speak to the teachers and staff for a teachers' in-service. My husband and I said we would take care of the cost by contacting people to underwrite the talk. This principal has a reputation for not returning e-mails or calls. Problem is, he has his hands in so many things that he spreads himself too thin and can't follow through on everything. He told me that I had permission to bug him about this but then seemed put off when I asked him. I asked him what the hold up was and he said funds. I told him that I already told him that that part was going to be taken care of and he didn't say anything. I told him that I would do whatever it takes to get something going if not now, but the future. So, I then decided to let it go. He sent me mixed signals and I guess it took me awhile to "get it".
Question: Should I contact the cirriculum director myself, too? He did but didn't seem to get anywhere, or maybe he has but isn't sharing it with me. I really feel very strongly about educating the teachers and staff on this issue. It was so surprising how little they know. The students need help too.
I don't want to alienate myself anymore because I have a younger son who has another 2 years at the school and he's on an I.E.P, so I need the principal to be on "our side", so to speak.
Should I let this go and let someone else tackle this some other time? **I did e-mail some politicians about instituting mental health awareness in the schools and haven't heard anything, yet.
Have you tried talking to the school counselor? Many times, the guidance counselor has opportunities to talk to students/bring in speakers, etc. for the students. The guidance counselor can be a good ally to have at a school.
Jenn
When I was depressed in High School, one teacher who cared would have made a huge difference. I had a former student write to me after she finished my course to thank me for understanding and for caring, I think that being a teacher who cared mattered to her. It is worth it because who knows how many students it might help.