Headline April 20, 2016/ ''' DEPRIVATIONS & *DEPRESSIONS* '''

''' DEPRIVATIONS & 

*DEPRESSIONS* '''

THE VERY BASIC QUESTION IS  -What happens to human spirit and survival    -in abject poverty-

The whole world  -just so admires, Susan McClelland for bravely recounting the horrible experiences of  Young children/teenagers in Cambodia, in the masterly work : Trading In Innocence. 

But one can't believe that life is not considered sacred by modern societies.

These children/students  could have a bright future, but selfish and heartless people have covered this brightness with darkness. I praise the organizations struggling to fight the sex trade, but there is more to be done.

Many more children/students  are waiting for help to escape the hell they are experiencing . 

That's Elka Van Oosterhaut, from Philippines, expressing  utter sadness.

And then Ambreen Zubair, from Bangladesh wrote : *Trading In Innocence'' left me devastated. It's unbelievable that even in the 21st century such heinous crimes can exist and be supported by government.

I felt remorse because there wasn't any thing I could do to help these innocent children/students escape this painful fate. 

So is there any way that ordinary people can help these unfortunate children/students? 

*Sure, there is lady!  See You on !WOW!  -the World Students Society*. 

American Researcher  Dr. Harold Koplewicz. continues. He holds that between the ages of 14 and 17, the brain's grey matter is gradually ''pruned''.

This clears out redundant  brain-cell  connections, leaving robust pathways necessary for the concentrated learning we do as adults.  

And then Science has yet to prove a link between this brain activity and depression, but it does coincide with the ages when we see increased psychiatric disorders in adolescents, notes Koplewicz.

Genetics, too, can play a role. A team of researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand investigated the possibility of gene making people more prone to depression.

Over 26 years, they asked a sample of  847   New Zealanders to record episodes of depression.

They were then tracked against the participant's stressful life experiences, such as losing a job.

The study, published in July 2003, found those with a certain type of gene were more than twice as likely to slump into a depression after such crises.

Student Chew May Lin of Singapore isn't surprised that depression can run in families. After she was diagnosed with the disorder at 14,  she learned that her mother had also suffered from depression-

And she had never discussed it with May Lin.

Her mother did not think that her daughter could become depressed at such a young age. She felt guilty, about not having realised earlier that May Lin had a problem and not providing her with support.    

Despite the genetic link,  -Dr Silpakt of Chiang Mai says a history of depression should not stop people from having children:

''They just  need the knowledge and awareness to watch out for for the signs in their children, so they can get help.''

*Preventing depression is far easier than treating it*.

That's why, for the past two years in Singapore, primary and secondary schools across the country have held workshops for teachers and school counsellors-

To increase their knowledge and understanding of depression, possible treatment and the appropriate channels of referral.

Getting help has made all the difference for Sarah Cheung. She now takes antidepressant medication and receives regular counselling. Today she feels much better and her marks have approved.

Dr Silpakt says there's a misconception that if you are young, you can't suffer. As a result, symptoms are often missed.

Changes in behaviour, such as social withdrawal, skipping classes and drop in marks, he says, ''may get a negative reaction or punishment-

Instead of empathy, understanding and the support or treatment that is needed.'''

With respectful and loving dedication to the Parents, Students, and Teachers of the world. See Ya all on !WOW!  -the World Students Society:

''' Night Vision '''

Good Night and God Bless

SAM Daily Times - the Voice of the Voiceless