Learning Disabilities and Depression

Learning Disabilities and Depression

Both depression and learning disabilities are fairly common conditions that many people struggle with. What is less commonly known is that many people with learning disabilities also experience depression. The challenges of life with a learning disability can lead to depression, which in turn makes life still more difficult. Because these two disorders are both frequently misunderstood, those who struggle with both may feel isolated and alone. The good news is that depression is highly treatable, and understanding it is the first step.

Understanding Depression

Even when depression occurs alongside a learning disability, it is a discrete condition, so it's important to look at on its own. Understanding depression can help with diagnosis, symptom monitoring, and seeking treatment. One of the most common mental disorders, depression causes people to experience a depressed or low mood, which may include guilt and low self -esteem, and a loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities. People with depression may have disturbed sleep or appetite, sleeping or eating more or less than usual, and they may have low energy or difficulty concentrating. They may feel sad or hopeless, cry frequently, or feel suicidal. Some people, especially children, may not be able to identify these feelings, and may appear irritable instead of sad. While everyone feels these things every now and then, in depression, these feelings persist for weeks or months.

Depression can be caused by many different things, and sometimes the causes are not understood. Some people experience depression from a young age, either as a result of traumatic events or a biological predisposition. It can also happen suddenly, after a major loss, injury, or illness, or may appear "out of the blue." While the cause may not be clear, talking about the feelings of depression and what seems to trigger them can be an important part of treatment. You could check here for more detailed info.

Depression and Learning Disabilities

Studies have suggested that people with learning disabilities are more likely than the general population to experience symptoms of depression. An estimated 6% of the population as a whole experiences depression each year; for those with learning disabilities, the number may be as high as 20%. People with learning disabilities may have trouble communicating with others, and employment or academic difficulties caused by the disability can make connecting with others more difficult. This can lead to loneliness and disconnection, which make depression more likely.

For many individuals with learning disabilities, depression may be neurologically based. Emotion regulation is often a challenge for people with learning disabilities, and depression can be caused by difficulties in this area. In these cases, symptoms often appear early and there may be a family history of depression or other emotion regulation disorder.

How to Help

While depression can seem overwhelming, there are many treatments available. Talking to the primary care physician is a good place to begin, as he or she can assess the individual's overall mental and physical health and suggest next steps. Medication and psychotherapy are both effective ways of treating depression and can be used together for optimal results. A counselor can help look at the ways depression and learning disabilities are intertwined in a person's life. While it can be difficult to talk about the powerful emotions of depression, opening up can make a big difference.

Sources:

https://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/help-information/learning-disability-a-z/d/depression-learning-disability/

https://ldaamerica.org/what-you-should-know-about-related-disorders-of-learning-disability/Learning