I finally understand how researchers in biology help prevent depression! They know the math for predicting whether children will reach age 18 without depression, given basic variables. For example:
- before the child is born, it only matters whether the mother has depression (think biology rather than home environment)
- after the child is born, the outcomes are similar if either the father or the mother has depression (think home environment rather than biology)
The distinction is important because practical actions for preventing depression can then be translated for each scenario.
The keynote speaker this Thursday night at our Winter Blues event is Dr. Joseph Gold, the Medical Director for McLean Hospital. He will clarify the topic and its practical application. For example, pediatrician Claudia Gold (no relation with Dr. Joseph Gold) of Newton Wellesley Hospital teaches new mothers activities to exercise with their newborns in order to enhance wellness (tell me Thursday at the Wellesley College Club if you wish to meet Claudia, as she will be there).
Teen mentors will also be there Thursday for anyone interested in discussing their achievements to date in Wellesley and Needham, or their plans for additional communities. (Articles are linked elsewhere in this newsletter on the impact of teen mentors nationally.) Other details about the Winter Blues may be found through the registration tab within our website (www.AdolescentWellness.org).
On a separate topic,do you understand the term 'crowd-funding'? It is another concept I am trying to understand - I am experimenting with it to introduce more people to activities for building coping skills and knowledge. If you want to see details, click on my crowd-funding link (igg.me/at/22). Please let me know how well it communicates, as I can still edit it.