MOOD DISORDERS – KNOW THE SIGNS & WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD
June 15, 2021
“The prevalence of mood difficulties among young people is increasingly becoming a concern internationally,” says Dr Jacques Mostert, Brand Academic Manager at ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider. Dr Mostert holds a PhD in Psychology of Education and is globally renowned in his field, having conducted experiential research in education in Denmark, the UK, South Africa and The Netherlands.
Dr Mostert notes that an estimated 24% of teens between the ages of 11 to 19 suffer from depression caused by the home environment, 25% are subject to cyber-bullying and loneliness, 92% of LGBT youth report depression during the ages of 11 to 19, and 80% of teens between the ages of 11 to 19 report a sense of isolation that causes them to feel depressed.
“It is very important to understand the signs of depression, so that action can be taken timeously should concerns about the mental wellbeing of a child arise,” says Dr Mostert.
“Teachers and parents can recognise the onset of depression when a sudden change in behaviour becomes apparent and continues for at least 3 weeks or longer. These include an atypical lack of energy, becoming increasingly irritable and agitated without a rational explanation, and a sense of being down in the dumps for no reason.”
Some adolescents may withdraw from friends and family over a sustained period of time, he notes, adding that this is especially concerning if this is atypical of the normal interactions of the teen.
“Another red flag is the inability to concentrate in class where ADHD or other non-neurotypical difficulties are not present, as well as regularly failing to complete classroom and homework assignments in time or often being late to class because of feeling overwhelmed.
“This, coupled with unusually defiant behaviour towards teachers and other school staff, especially if this is non-typical behaviour, may indicate that the teen is experiencing difficulties with mood and affect.”
In the same way as with anxiety difficulties and disorder, the student often asks to go to go home because of feeling ill with no discernable symptoms. The teen often has days off from class time due to doctor’s appointments, hospitalisation, or inability to attend classes.
Changes in sleep patterns, a significant weight loss or gain in a short period of time and disinterest in hobbies or areas where the teen previously showed interest also raise concerns about the mental wellbeing of the teenager.
Finally, a loss of future-mindedness, or talk about death or suicide, engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviour (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or cutting, for example) are clear signs of the teen suffering from mood difficulties or a possible mood disorder.
“Not all of the above need to be present, but if there is a discernable and drastic change in a young person’s behaviour which continues for a period of several weeks or longer, intervention is necessary,” Dr Mostert says.
He says first steps teachers and parents can take to help their child deal with depression at home and in the classroom include:
- DEVELOPING COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS
Parents of teenagers should develop the habit of listening with empathy and not give in to the easier way out of lecturing. However, it must also be said that parents should be gentle yet persistent when it comes to holding realistic expectations of their child. - AVOIDING NEGATIVE TECHNIQUE STRATEGIES
Punishment, sarcasm, disparagement, and passive-aggression is a way of affirming the depressed teenager’s belief of not being worthy or a valued member of the family or society. Parents must be willing to be vulnerable and acknowledge their own and their teenager’s feelings, especially at a time of disruption such as the Covid – 19 pandemic. - NOT LOWERING EXPECTATIONS OR GIVING UNEARNED REWARDS
Realistic and earned rewards is one of the most important tools in a parent’s approach to supporting their depressed child. The sense of having earned a reward, and receiving acknowledgement for an aspect of their life they find significant affirms a sense of value. However, the opposite is also true. Unearned praise leaves the teenager with a feeling of inauthenticity and affirms their already negative self-perception. - PLANNING FOR EARNED SUCCESS
Activities that are of interest often fall by the wayside when teenagers are depressed. Often parents try to arrange and engage in these activities as a panacea to their teenager’s depression. However, this may exacerbate the young person’s feeling of worthlessness. Parents should find novel and interesting activities that may lead to earned success. This may include DIY activities around the house or asking for help with a specific app or technology in which, when success is achieved, due praise is earned.
“Most importantly, parents should trust their gut,” Dr Mostert says.
“If your teenager insists that nothing is wrong, despite a prolonged period of depressed mood or being diagnosed with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, parents should trust their instincts and seek help.
“Should the above techniques not bring about an improvement in the mental wellbeing, parents should seek advice from their medical practitioner or a psychiatrist.”
Selecting a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. A good school nurtures not just academic growth, but also social, emotional, and moral development. A good school does not only allow parents to dream of possibilities for their children but also assist in making those dreams become realities! With so many options available, public and private, it’s essential to know what to look for in making this important decision. During your next visit to a prospective school for your precious child, put some consideration towards the following important aspects of a school: 1. A Strong Educational Foundation Check for a clear and balanced curriculum that emphasizes core subjects like reading, math, science, and the arts. Ask about teaching methods and how the school measures progress. Look for schools that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Reputable schools produce excellent results, annually. At GIS we use Guided Readers, a digital platform for Standard 1-3 which gauges the reading ability of individual students. We also use ADvLEARN in Standard 7, Form 1-4 which uses adaptive technology to give tailor-made mathematics exercises to meet students where they are at, building them up to where they should be and beyond! Our campus is equipped with seven ICT labs, five physics/chemistry labs and two robotics labs. Our teachers are all equipped with laptos, projectors and sound bars to bring the class to life! We also have drones, VR-headsets, lazar cutters and 3-D printers – equipping our students to gain valuable experiences, preparing them for the real world! 2. Dedicated and Qualified Staff Meet the teachers and staff. Are they approachable, qualified, and passionate about education? A supportive, well-trained teaching staff can make a huge difference in your child’s learning experience. At GIS, all our teachers are qualified with 25% of our staff holding post-graduate degrees i.e. Masters and Honours Degrees. Another 46% hold degrees i.e. B.A, BEd or BSc. with the remainder of 29% holding a teaching diploma or equivalent. Our teachers enjoy regular training opportunities through our internal training platform, Sirius. Our teachers are thus life-long learners themselves, passionate about education and best-practice. We care about our individual students’ wellbeing and remain in close contact with parents throughout their child’s educational journey with us. 3. Registration, Health and Safety It is imperative to select a school which is registered with the necessary authorities as an operating school. All schools are bound by specific health and safety regulations with proven steps taken to comply. GIS High School is registered with Cambridge. The Primary School is registered with the Ministry of Education for PSLE examinations at the end of Standard 7. Being part of ADvTECH means that the school is subjected to rigorous health and safety protocol with internal and external audits being carried out annually. 4. A Positive School Culture Tour the school to observe the environment. Are students engaged and respectful? Do teachers and administrators seem enthusiastic and caring? A positive, inclusive atmosphere contributes significantly to a child’s confidence and motivation. We are proud to share that GIS-students hail from 32 different countries. We truly celebrate our unique cultures and individual strengths. Even so, we are grounded in Botswana values, taking care of our community and environment. Have a look out for our community service projects and participation in environmental programmes often shared on social media. 4. Student Support and Enrichment Opportunities Look for a school that provides more than just academics—such as counselling services, extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, and arts programs. These contribute to a well-rounded education and help children discover their interests and talents. At GIS, we have an on-site psychologist who assist with academic support and counselling. We also have a dedicated Deputy Principal of Pastoral Care and Discipline, ensuring that students are guided through each phase while reaching their full potential. Students can select from a vast range of extra-mural activities including but not limited to soccer, netball, swimming, athletics, basketball, table tennis, spelling bee competitions, maths Olympiads, debate and moot court. 5. Parental Involvement Strong schools often welcome parent engagement. Whether through regular communication or active partnerships between home and school, it truly supports student success. At the end of every academic term, parents are invited to our campus to meet with their children’s teachers to discuss the term’s progress and results. Parents are also invited to termly Coffee with the Heads of Schools during which important updates are shared. Parents are always welcome to reach out to our teachers and school management to support where needed. Final Thoughts Choosing the right school is a deeply personal decision. Take your time to visit, ask questions, and trust your instincts. Remember: the best school is the one where your child feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn! Allow us to dream with you and assist your child to ascend to their aspirations! You are invited to visit our school and to meet our principals.
At GIS Pre-Primary we follow the Reggio Emilia approach, and we believe that learning flourishes through collaboration among educators, learners, and families. Our environment is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections. Central to our philosophy is the idea that parents are not just supporters of education but active partners in the learning journey. 1 . Open Communication We prioritize clear and consistent communication. Each term begins with a newsletter outlining key calendar events, followed by timely WhatsApp reminders to keep families informed. Monthly class overviews help parents stay engaged with their child’s learning, identify areas needing support, and collaborate with teachers before new topics are introduced. 2. Meaningful Parent Engagement We actively invite parents into the classroom to observe and participate in hands-on learning experiences. Celebrations like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are honored, while events such as Sports Day offer opportunities for parents to join in the fun. When children see their parents involved, it reinforces a sense of encouragement and shared purpose, sending a powerful message that their education is deeply valued. 3 . Supporting Home Learning Learning does not stop at the school gate. Through weekend projects and real-world experiences, like gardening, baking, or museum visits, parents help children explore their world. Learners document these moments through photos and videos, fostering reflection, independence, and self-motivation. Watching themselves and their peers engaged in discovery empowers children to take ownership of their growth. 4. Celebrating an Inclusive Community At GIS, we proudly celebrate the diversity of our school community by hosting a range of events at varied times, ensuring that everyone can participate and feel included. Our Family Fun Day is a vibrant example of this, bringing together families from all walks of life to share in the rich cultural heritage, diverse experiences, and unique perspectives that make our school so special. These events not only foster a sense of belonging and connection among families but also create a warm and inclusive environment that welcomes and values every individual. Strong parent–teacher partnerships are the foundation of a thriving learning environment. At GIS, we’re committed to nurturing these connections, ensuring that every child is supported, inspired, and surrounded by a community that believes in their potential.
Visual Art at Gaborone International School encourages creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, while also boosting mental health and well-being of students. Visual Art skills are transferable to diverse subjects like mathematics, Science, English and Setswana (writing, poetry and storytelling). Below are the special areas that Visual art help learners develop. Creativity and Innovation Engaging in visual Art project encourages creative thinking and exploration. Learners in visual Art class often experiment with different materials, techniques, and concepts, fostering an innovative mindset that can be applied to problem-solving in various subjects. In Gaborone International School, upper primary classes recycle materials around the school premises to design various art pieces like texture painting, 3D and relief sculptures. Critical Thinking Analysing and interpreting visual Art requires critical thinking skills. When we embark in any project, learners carry out a research and brainstorm their findings. This is a crucial process which brings about differentiation, thus having our own unique style and technique to develop what has been done before. This process enlightens learners to evaluate their work and the work of others, assessing what works and what doesn’t, which parallels the evaluative processes in problem-solving. This can be attested by what Std 5 discovered in their painting project where their painting colour effect began during the priming stage to give a wash effect to the painting. Perspective Taking Our learners are trained to be neutral when analysing or passing a judgement of visual art pieces, this encourages individuals to see things from multiple perspectives. This ability to view a problem from different angles both individual and group work lead to more comprehensive solutions and ideas are generated from sober judgement and analysing. Visualization Skills Learners develop strong visualization skills which are crucial in problem-solving. Before an imaginative artwork is brought into visibility, learners visualise their composition in its various perspective, in our imaginative drawing class, learners write a script about their art piece before they start working on it. Being able to envision potential outcomes and scenarios helps in planning and executing solutions effectively. Tolerance and endurance The process of creating art often involves trial and error. A work of painting begins with what seems like chaos. It’s all part of the creative process. Our leaners are trained to keep in mind that the initial mess is a point in the journey —it’s not the finish line. This teaches patience and the importance of endurance, qualities that are essential in overcoming challenges in problem-solving. Collaboration Group work in our Visual Art class is important because it fosters interactive learning, promotes the development of essential skills, and encourages deeper understanding of the subject matter. The difference between one artist from another is their application, style and detailing. When students work in a group, it allows them to learn from each other, share diverse perspectives, and practice collaborative skills crucial for project success. Our painting final pieces were of greater value because it was a collaborative work where leaners focused on their expert areas. Those who are good with visual sketching brought object form into the canvas while those who master the colour wheel merged colours, and the brush stroke brought the vision into reality. FACTS ABOUT VISUAL ART AT GABORONE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Science lessons at Gaborone International School use visual art to communicate complex ideas. Visualization techniques help in data representation, making scientific concepts more accessible. Art also plays a role in scientific observation and experimentation. In a multi-cultural school like Gaborone International School, Visual Art class highlights the awareness of Respect Diversity and Inclusion (RDI) to learners, it exposes students to different cultures and perspectives, fostering global awareness and appreciation for diversity. Visual Art classes improve learners emotional and social skills. Majority of learners express their emotions and thoughts though their works of Art.