Idealism and Depression in the Gifted

Description

In “Idealism and Depression,” Lori Comallie-Caplan discusses the serious issue of depression in gifted students. Many children experience depression, but what are the unique struggles observed in gifted adolescents? Asynchronous development, social isolation, and existential depression are just a few of the risk factors. Although gifted students are vulnerable to depression, due to their high expectations and idealism, you will find that their strengths can be tapped to help them move toward hope and optimism. 

• Understand the unique reasons that gifted students struggle with depression
• Discover how existential depression affects gifted adolescents and its relation to Dabrowski’s Developmental Levels
• Identify the warning signs of depression in gifted students
• Learn four strategies for dealing with depression

Presenter Bio

Lori Comallie-Caplan is a New Mexico Licensed Master Social Worker and a Licensed Educational Diagnostician with a Masters Degree in Psychological Counseling. Additionally, she holds Advanced Certification for Mediation from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Ms. Comallie-Caplan has 30 plus years of experience in the field of counseling, coaching evaluation, mediation and educational consultation. She is best known for her work with gifted individuals through the lifespan and frequently provides professional development for school districts and mental health professionals in the social emotional needs of the gifted.