Intelligent children are generally considered lucky and blessed, but studies have shown that the opposite is true when it comes to depression. Bright students have a higher risk than their peers to suffer from depression.

However, this surprising fact has remained hidden from most of us, and we wonder why.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the leading cause of disability and the fourth largest contributor to the global disease burden.

Depression affects a person’s general well-being by infiltrating their feelings of sadness or hopelessness, interfering with their daily lives and their relationships with others. Depression can also cause physical symptoms like lethargy, sudden weight change, and insomnia, making the diagnosis even more complex and challenging.

What Makes a Child Bright?

Bright children are those who have a higher cognitive ability than their peers. They can understand complex problems, analyze them critically, and solve them creatively.

They have exceptional memory, reasoning, and language skills, which make them stand out among their peers. Generally, bright children have a natural curiosity and eagerness to learn, which enables them to excel in academics.

Why are Bright Children at Higher Risk for Depression?

The reasons for depression in bright children are manifold. The high expectations placed on bright children by their parents, teachers, and society, demanding that they stand out in academics, can lead to undue stress.

The pressure to be perfect at everything they do, be it academics or physical activities, can lead to a sense of despair and hopelessness when they confront minor setbacks. When bright children face difficult academic or extracurricular challenges, they tend to link their self-worth to their performance, which can send them spiraling down into depression when they don’t perform as expected.

Moreover, bright students often face social isolation and a lack of positive social interaction that can increase the possibility of depression.

Their intellectual abilities can sometimes make them feel disconnected from their peers, who may not understand or appreciate their interests, resulting in a social gap. The social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and hopelessness that contribute to depression.

The Role of Parenting in Bright Children’s Depression

The role of parents in bright children’s mental health is essential. Parents can help by ensuring that the child’s academic expectations and performance are not linked to the child’s self-worth.

Encouraging the child to take breaks and engage in activities unrelated to academics can help reduce the pressure and stress surrounding their performance. Parents can also foster a nurturing and supportive environment at home, where the child feels comfortable expressing their emotions without the fear of judgement.

Parents can also help reduce social isolation by facilitating opportunities to interact with peers who share their interests.

Parents can actively involve themselves in their children’s interests, which can create a sense of belonging and connection among the child and their peers.

The Role of Education in Preventing Depression among Bright Children

The education system plays a crucial role in preventing depression among bright children. Educators can create a positive classroom environment, where the child feels appreciated and validated for their creativity, originality, and interests.

They can adapt the curriculum to cater to the cognitive abilities and interests of bright children, reduce the stressors linked to academic performance, and provide opportunities for social interaction among peers.

Educators can also emphasize the importance of self-care, mental health, and positive coping mechanisms like exercise, mindfulness, or journaling.

The education system can provide support groups and access to mental health resources to bright students suffering from depression.

Conclusion

Being bright and intelligent is not a panacea for success or happiness. It comes with its own challenges, including a higher risk of depression.

However, with the right parenting, education, and mental health resources, we can help bright children navigate their challenges and reduce their risk of depression. Let us break the stigma surrounding mental health and create supportive and nurturing environments that enable bright children to thrive.